Advanced Photonics and Laser Technology Certificate of Achievement

This 27-unit certification program will provide advanced hands-on skills and training in industry-relevant science and engineering principles of the field of photonics and laser technology (PALT). The field of PALT deals with the generation,  harnessing, sensing and manipulation of light and other forms of radiant energy (solid state lighting, lasers,  lamps, LED’s etc.) through various mechanical, optical, and electrical systems. This field plays a vital role in driving the innovation in many industries. For example, applications of optics and photonics occur in

sectors like optical data communications, imaging, health, aerospace, military, environment,

entertainment and lighting and displays. They also occur in manufacturing sectors like life sciences, health care, transportation, security and safety. Due to the diverse applications of this technology, the optics and photonics job opportunities available to all students with optics and photonics skills are varied. The primary occupations for students skilled in optics and photonics relates to the development and operation of optics and photonics equipment and technology and job titles include Laser and/or Photonics Technicians. 

ENGR 407 - Optical Coating Technology (3 Units) 

ENGR 408- Optical Fibers (3 Units) 

ENGR 409 - Advanced OAPT (3 Units) 

We plan to have 30 students in each cohort.

The industry has been severely handicapped due to the lack of a United States  program that can train technicians to work in the optics and photonics industry.  The industry successfully collaborated on a program with San Jose City College to create a laser technician program. But the severe shortage in optics and photonics technicians continues to be a  huge challenge to them. An annual need of upwards of 100 trained technicians is typically forecasted but has been impossible to fill. Thus far, industry has been carrying out the training themselves and this has lead to increased cost and lower productivity. For these reasons, industry leaders have approached Canada College to create an Optics and Photonics Technician program. 

The goal of the program is to train students to meet the needs of the employers. The courses provided will meet this need.

This 9-unit certification program will provide advanced hands-on skills and training in industry-relevant science and engineering principles of the field of photonics and laser technology (PALT). The field of PALT deals with the generation,  harnessing, sensing and manipulation of light and other forms of radiant energy (solid state lighting, lasers,  lamps, LED’s etc.) through various mechanical, optical, and electrical systems. This field plays a vital role in driving the innovation in many industries. For example, applications of optics and photonics occur in

sectors like optical data communications, imaging, health, aerospace, military, environment,

entertainment and lighting and displays. They also occur in manufacturing sectors like life sciences, health care, transportation, security and safety. Due to the diverse applications of this technology, the optics and photonics job opportunities available to all students with optics and photonics skills are varied. The primary occupations for students skilled in optics and photonics relates to the development and operation of optics and photonics equipment and technology and job titles include Laser and/or Photonics Technicians. 

The students will need to complete the Photonics and Laser Technology Certificate of Achievement. 

ENGR 407 - Optical Coating Technology (3 Units) 

ENGR 408- Optical Fibers (3 Units) 

ENGR 409 - Advanced OAPT (3 Units)