The Laser and Fiber Optic Technology program was created to meet the critical need for laser electro-optic technicians in Connecticut, which has the third highest concentration of laser and fiber optic firms in the nation.

The program has a solid core of electronics courses, including electric circuits, solid state electronics, digital circuits, and electronic communications. Proficiency in laser optics is gained through courses in geometric and wave optics, lasers, and fiber optics.

In addition to the major specialty courses, students also study mathematics, English communications, and the humanities.

Students who complete the program have the opportunity to transfer to baccalaureate programs in applied physics or engineering technology, or to find immediate employment in the burgeoning laser and fiber optics field.


LASER AND FIBER OPTIC TECHNOLOGY CURRICULUM
(suggested two-year sequence)

Course ID

Title of Course

Credits

SEMESTER I

(1.0)

1

2

EET* K105°

Electric Circuits and Systems

3

EET* K106°

Electric Circuits and Systems Lab

1

ENG* K101°

Composition

3

MAT* K____²

Math I

3

PHO* K101

Introduction to Photonics

3

TOTAL

16

SEMESTER II

EET* K119°

Advanced Electrical Circuits and Systems

4

EET* K120°

Advanced Electrical Circuits and Systems Lab

1

MAT* K____²

Math II

4

4

PHY* K141°

Applied Optics

4

TOTAL

17

SEMESTER III

PHO* K230 °

Laser Electronics

4

PHO* K240°

Introduction to Lasers

4

MAT* K_____²

Math III

3-4

3

TOTAL

18-19

SEMESTER IV

3

PHO* K250°

Fiber and Integrated Optics

4

PHO* K290°

Advanced Laser Topics

3

_________

Humanities Elective

3

_________

Technical Elective

3

TOTAL

16

GRAND TOTAL

67-68

°Course has a prerequisite. Students should check course description.

¹ This course is considered a prerequisite to the program and must be taken before PHY* K141.
² Minimum 10 credits of math required from MAT* K137, K167, K186, K254, and K256. Students transferring to Physics or Engineering programs should take math through MAT K256.

Laser and Fiber Optic Technology, Associate in Science
Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates will be able to:

1. be proficient in the use of general electronic and optical test instrumentation, and familiar with the use of advanced instrumentation such as optical spectrum analyzers, laser beam analyzers and erbium doped amplifiers.
2. explain the functions of basic optical components and component mounts.
3. specify, mount, align and operate lenses, mirrors, reflectors, gratings, filters and polarizing optics.
4. specify, install, align and operate support and positioning equipment.
5. demonstrate fiber optic handling techniques, including connectorization and mechanical and fusion splicing.
6. test fiber optic links with optical sources and meters and with an OTDR.
7. survey a laser work scene, citing unsafe conditions present.
8. set up and explain common laser optical systems such as collimators, spatial filters and various forms of interferometer.
9. set up and explain a fiber optic communications system employing external modulators.
10. gather, analyze, and report data using applicable software.
11. work cooperatively with team members in a lab setting.
12. read and interpret vendor catalogs and instruction manuals.
13. present technical information in both written and oral forms.
14. use the internet for technical research.
15. be familiar with electronic techniques for biasing and modulating semiconductor sources.
16. be familiar with other electronic circuits such as operational amplifiers, power supplies, and oscillators.
17. interpret specifications for a variety of communication systems.
18. explain the important parameters of laser/material interaction and how these affect laser material processing.
    
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