History of ULV-OE/PCC-LEOT

Practical Hands on Program in Laser/Optics Technology

Shen-Yuan Chou*, Wai- Min Liu**

*National Huwei Institute of Technology, 64 Wunhua Rd., Huwei Yunlin 63208, Taiwan ROC

**Pasadena City College, 1570 E. Colorado Bl., Pasadena California 91106, USA

Abstract

Practical hands on program philosophy and ideas will be discussed. This program was planned and carried out in three Taiwan technical colleges, as well as one junior college in the USA and in a four year university BS degree program. The products and successes from this program and curriculum will be discussed in detail. What are the best topics and opportunity areas in optics and photonics to meet the broader social and industrial needs will be discussed.

Keywords: Optics, education, curriculum, courses, laser

1. Basic Philosophy

Wai-Min Liu graduated from California State University, Northridge, and specialized in Physics in 1968. Dr. Liu worked in the laser/optical engineering field for seven years. He has a dream to develop a laser/optics technology two year certificated program for technicians and a four year optical engineering BS degree program. In college and graduate school, Dr. Liu undertook vigorous courses that have helped him become a successful optical engineer and scientist. Such courses have given him the fundamentals to learn new and updated technology. In the laser/optical engineering field, an optical engineer/scientist very often works in different and new sub-fields. Fields such as detector, laser, optical testing and design, etc. To be a successful optical engineer/scientist, a person must be able to switch from one sub-field to another sub-field of assignments without too much formal training. Therefore a successful laser/optical technology curriculum should provide a student the following training: (i) a few important and fundamental laser/optical engineering courses to enable a student learn new projects and sub-fields. (ii) Projects in each course to develop a student the independent ability to study on their own. (iii) Projects to encourage students to work in a team environment. The most important idea is to teach a student to have the ability to learn on his/her own without a formal teacher in the future. A popular Chinese saying once stated that “We need 100 years to find out the results of a successful educational program. We need 10 years to find out the results of planting a tree.” However, due to technological advancements, the product (trained technician and engineer) from a developed curriculum and program have been proved to be successful and useful to the society as a whole within 20 years. The names of a few graduates from the developed curriculum and their success will be listed later in this article.

2. Two Year Laser/ Optics Technology Curriculum

As a practicing senior optical/engineer scientist at Xerox, TRW, JPL, and Rockwell, Wai-Min Liu found out that the most important and useful mathematics are Algebra and Trigonometry. Based upon the four year optics program at University of Rochester, two year laser/optics technology curriculum was formulated with geometrical optics, wave optics, laser fundamental, and algebra/trigonometry as major and core courses. Such laser electro-optics technology curriculum/program and courses are listed in the following:

2.1 Laser Electro-Optics Technology

This curriculum prepares students for careers in Laser Electro-Optics Technology. The Pasadena City College sequence will provide flexible options: (1) early preparation for an entry-level job in the laser industry with work experience credit for those students who find such a job; (2) careful training in program-solving and modern techniques of laser electro-optics technology; (3) a basis for continuing education beyond the Associate in Arts degree upgrading the skills of those currently employed; (4) students who wish to transfer as Laser Physics or Electro-Optics Engineering majors should major in Physics or Engineering and complete the basic Laser Electro-Optics courses (Laser 100, 101, 102, 103, 1045, 106, 108).

2.2 The Program (Requirements for the Major)

Semester I (Recommended) Units
Laser 100 Intro to Laser Tech 3
Laser 101 Math Applications of Laser Studies 4
Laser 110 Holography 2
Laser 122 Intro to Fiber Optics 1

Semester II
Laser 102 Laser Optics 4
Laser 103 Computer Usage for Laser Technology 3
Elctry 9 Principles of Network Analysis (AC & DC) 6
Laser 124 Intro to Vacuum Technology 2

Semester III
Laser 104 Laser Measurements 4
Laser 108 Optical Radiation Sources and Detectors 3
Elctrn 121A Circuit Analysis 4
Or 131A Circuit Analysis 5
Laser 126 Laser Application of Metal Processing 1
Semester IV Units
Laser 106 Laser Equipment and Applications 4
Laser 128 Laser Design and Construction 2
MP 14 Metal Working Fundamentals 2
Or Elctrn 132 Digital and Control Electronics 4
Laser 131 Optical Control Devices 2

Recommended Electives: Eltctrn 132, 125/135, Physics 1A/2A, Machine Shop, Laser 111, 133, 135.

The Laser Program provides equal opportunity for both men and women. Classes are offered days and evenings during the regular fall and spring semesters. Classes are offered evenings during summer sessions.

The Pasadena City College Laser Electro-Optics Technology Program has been a very successful establishment, especially during 1976 to 1995. Four hundred successful laser/optics technicians were trained and are working in laser/optics technology field. At Pasadena City College, we have hired part-time instructors from Electro-Optics industries to teach classes that will stretch aspiring student’s abilities. These part-time instructors have not only given the students new updated technical information but also offered the students career opportunities. These are win-win arrangements.

Due to the successful PCC Laser Technology Program, Wai-Min Liu was invited to develop the National Junior College Laser Electro-Optics Program for the Republic of China in 1986. In the summer of 1987, Dr. Liu was invited to the National Central University in Taiwan to arrange and instruct the Laser Electro-Optics 10 week seminar to train 60 Junior College instructors to be laser Electro-Optics technology instructors. Dr. Peter Shih and President Wei-Chun Chen of Lien Ho College of Technology were the major advocates and promoters of Laser/Electro-Optics Technology education in Republic of China. Dr. Peter Shih has especially given a lot of research grants to Electro-Optics educators through the years. Since 1988 three junior colleges in the Republic of China have established Laser/Electro-Optics Programs. Those highly acclaimed institutions are: Lien Ho Junior College of Technology, Huwei Institute of Technology, and Taipei Institute of Technology. They provide more than 500 laser technicians a year.

2.3 Courses Description

Laser 100, Introduction to Laser Technology 3 Units
Elements, classifications and operation of light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. Optical power measurements, theory of light, operating modes, coherence, gas laser case studies, safety.

Laser 101, Mathematical Applications of Laser Studies 4 Units
Applications of mathematics in the fields of geometrical optics, physical optics, electro-optics, physics and other laser studies. Applications from algebra, trigonometry, analytical geometry, matrices, and introductory calculus. Prerequisites: (1) High school algebra and (2) High school geometry. Recommended enrollment in or completion of Laser 100.

Laser 102, Laser Optics 4 Units
Geometry optics: Light rays, reflection, refraction, plane and curved boundaries. Optical components and systems. Laser optics: Gaussian profile of laser beams, intensity calculations, propagation, beam systems, holography. Prerequisite: Laser 100. Lecture 2 hours, lab 3 hours. Recommended enrollment in or completion of Laser 101.

Laser 103, Computer Design of Optical Systems 3 Units
Basic optical system design of doublet, triplet and telescope systems. Fundamentals of third order aberrations, chromatic aberrations theory and error functions. Optical systems design software. Prerequisite: Laser 102 or equivalent.

Laser 104, Diffraction Optics and Laser Measurements
Diffraction optics theory and applications in laser measurements. Standard laser instruments and measurements techniques, special measurements, interferometric measurements, spatial resolutions. Prerequisites: Laser 101 and 102. Lecture 3 hours, lab 3 hours.

Laser 106, Laser Equipment and Applications
Theory and operation of devices to measure laser output parameters, to manipulate laser beams and to modulate lasers. Applications of lasers by specialized groupings. Prerequisites: Laser 104 and Elctrn 121A or 131A. Lecture 3 hours, lab 3 hours.

Laser 108, Optical Radiation Sources and Detectors
Basic physical relationships and mathematics of optical radiation and optoelectronics, photometric and radiation units, black bodies and Lambert radiators, laws of radiation, luminescence, photoemissions phenomena, and photoelectric effect detectors. Prerequisites: Laser 101 and 102.

Laser 110 Holography
Principles of the holographic process. Laser, coherence, laser safety, single-beam transmission holograms, time-lapse, time-averaged, single-beam and multi-beam holograms. 360 holograms and white light reflection holograms. Holographic systems and film processing. Lab 3 hours.

Lab 111, Holography with Dichromated Gelatin
Principles of dichromated gelatin holographic process. Single and multiple-beam white light transmission and reflection holograms. Preparation of dichromated gelatin plates. Prerequisite: Laser 110. Lab 3 hours.

Laser 122, Introduction to Fiber Optics
Principle and operation of fiber optic components and systems. Light guiding properties of optical fibers, light sources and transmitters, couplers, connectors, detectors, receivers and integrated devices. Various systems will be discusses with emphasis on telecommunications. Prerequisite: Laser 100 or equivalent. Lecture 3 hours, lab 3 hours.

Laser 124, Introduction to Vacuum Technology
Fundamentals of modern vacuum technology. Applications to optical coating. Prerequisite: Laser 100 or equivalent. Lecture 1 hour, lab 3 hours.

Laser 126, Laser Processing of Materials
Introduction to the field of materials processing with lasers. Designs and applications of various laser types: scientific, industrial, medical, military. Beam handling and conditioning equipment: lenses, mirrors, gratings. Ancillary equipment: material handling equipment, computerized controllers, roots. Safety considerations. Prerequisite: Laser 100 or equivalent.

Laser 128, Laser Design and Construction
Principles and techniques used in the design and construction of a laser. Individual experience in the planning, design and building of a laser. Prerequisite: Laser 100 or equivalent. Lecture 1 hour, lab 3 hours.

Laser 131, Optical Control and Measurement Devices
Application of x-y translators and positioning devices and servo control techniques in optical positioning devices. Prerequisites: Elctrn 8A and enrollment in Elctrn 8 B and Laser 102. Lecture 1 hour, Lab 3 hours.

Laser 133, Medical Laser Applications
Use of lasers in the field of clinical and research medicine. Applications in surgery, ophthalmology, pulmonary medicine, gynecology, photobiology, and cancer research. Prerequisite: Laser 100 or equivalent.

Laser 135, Semi Control Laser
Principles of injection laser operations and materials. Optical fields and wave propagation in injection lasers. Heterojunctions. Advanced laser diode structure. Fabrication and operating characteristics. Applications of laser diode. Prerequisite: Laser 100 or equivalent.

3. Four Year Optical Engineering Degree Program

Due to the success of Laser Technology Graduates from PCC, there has been a request to establish a four year optical engineering BS degree program at a University. The University of La Verne was chosen because it is a small private university that has an environment conducive to in depth education. Furthermore the procedure and paper works to setting up an optical engineering department and major are a lot easier than at a public and major institute and university. ULV was contacted in early 1983. The Optical engineering major and department was established in September 1984, consequently students were accepted to the major in optical engineering. In June 1986, two students were awarded with a BS degree in optical engineering. These accomplished students are Dawn Evans (now in Optical Research Association) and William Dougherty (Boeing). The junior and senior level courses are set-up based on the M.S. optics degree program at the University of Arizona. Coincidentally we have also been using the same text books for our instructing. During instructing sessions, key principles were stressed in practical and laboratory assignments rather than mathematical derivation. Thus the most important facet that was stressed was a hands on approach dissimilar to most graduate school curriculums. Dr. Vernon Spaulding and Dr. Wai-Min Liu shared chairmanship of the optical engineering department. The courses and curriculum of BS Degree in Optical Engineering are listed in the following:

3.1 Support Courses

1. Calculus I (4)
2. Calculus II (4)
3. Calculus III (4)
4. Advanced Eng. Math (4), or Approved Math Elective
5. Engineering Physics I (4)
6. Engineering Physics II (4)
7. Chemistry I (4)
8. FORTRAN (4)
Total: 32 semester units (Math 105, Pre-Calculus may be required of some freshmen (4).)

3.2 Core Courses: Completion of the following courses or equivalents, Optics/Laser Sciences
Units
1. Op Eng 11 Introduction to Laser Sciences 3
2. Op Eng 102 Laser Optics 4
3. Op Eng 110 Holography 1
4. Op Eng 204 Diffraction Optics 4
5. Op Eng 206 Basic Opto-Electronics 4
6. Op Eng 208 Basic Radiometry 3
7. Op Eng 302 E-M Wave Foundations of Optics 3
8. Op Eng 308 Advanced Radiometry 3
9. Op Eng 320 Optical Systems Design 4
10. Op Eng 424 Advanced Diffraction Optics 3
11. Op Eng 440 Optical Testing and Measurement 4
12. Op Eng 499 Senior Seminar/Project (variable) 1-4
13. El Eng 150 Introduction to Electronics and Computer Engineering 4
14. El Eng 202 Introduction to Active Circuits 4
Total: 45-48 Semester Hours Minimum

3.3 Course Sequence: (Recommended)

Semester I Units
Op Eng 100 Introduction to Laser Sciences 3
Op Eng 110 Holograph 1
Math 201 Calculus I 4
El Eng 150 Introduction to Electronics and Computer Engineering 4
General Education 4

Semester II
Op Eng 102 Laser Optics 4
El Eng 202 Introduction to Active Circuits 4
Math 202 Calculus II 4
General Education 4

Semester III
Op Eng 204 Diffraction Optics 4
Op Eng 208 Basic Radiometry 3
Phys 203 Engineering Physics I 4
General Education 5

Semester IV
Op Eng 206 Basic Opto-Electronics 4
Math 311 Calculus III 4
Phys 204 Engineering Physics II 4
General Education 4

Semester V
Op Eng 320 Optical System Design 4
Chem 201 General Chemistry I 4
Math- Advanced Eng. Math or Approved Math. Elective 4
General Education 4

Semester VI
Op Eng 302 E-M Wave Foundations of Optics 3
Op Eng 308 Advanced Radiometry 3
Math 361 FORTRAN 4
General Education/ (Electives) 9

Semester VII
Op Eng 440 Optical Testing and Measurement 4
Op Eng 424 Advanced Diffraction Optics 3
General Education/ (Electives)

Semester VIII
Op Eng 499 Senior Seminar/Project (Variable) 1-4
General Education/ (Electives) 12-15

3.4 Entrance Preparation

High school students preparing to study at AAIC/ULV for a career in optical engineering should take a balanced high school program. The following courses are particularly recommended:

1. College prep English, written and oral communication.
2. College prep mathematics, including intermediate algebra, trigonometry and plane geometry.
3. College prep laboratory science, including chemistry and physics.
4. College prep history and/or social science

3.5 Graduation Requirements (Bachelor’s Degree Program)

To receive a bachelor’s degree from the American International College/University of La Verne, a student must complete the following:

1. A minimum of 128 total semester hours including all general education and major requirements.
2. A minimum of 32 semester hours at AAIC/ULV
3. A minimum of 44 semester hours at the upper division level.

A minimum in Optical Engineering may be completed by ² semester hours in the field of which 16 must be upper division. (See Dept. chair for recommended courses).

3.6 Courses Description

Op Eng 100, Introduction to Laser Sciences 3
Elements, classifications and operation of light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. Optical power measurements, theory of light, operating modes, coherence, gas laser case studies, safety. GEPS.

Op Eng 102, Laser Optics 4
Geometry optics: light rays, reflection, refraction, plane and curved boundaries. Optical components and systems. Laser optics: Gaussian profile of laser beams, intensity calculations, propagation, beam systems, holography. Lab.

Op Eng 110, Holography 1
Principles of the holographic process. Laser, coherence, laser safety, single-beam transmission holograms, single-beam reflection holograms and 360 holograms. Holographic systems and film processing Lab.

Op Eng 204, Diffraction Optics 4
Standard laser instruments and measurement techniques: spectral measurements, interferometric measurements, spatial resolutions. Lab.

Op Eng 206, Basic Opto-Electronics 4
Theory and operation of devices to measure laser output parameters, to manipulate laser beams, and to modulate lasers. Applications of lasers by specialized groupings. Lab.

Op Eng 208 Basic Radiometry 3
Basic relationships and mathematics of optical radiation and opto-electronics. Photometric and radiation units. Radiation sources, types of detectors, measurements and applications.

Op Eng 302 E-M Wave Foundations of Optics 3
Electrostatic fields, dielectric media, currents and magnetic fields. Faraday’s Law and the magnetic behavior of matter. Transient oscillations, filters, and transmission lines. Maxwell’s Field Equations. Guided E-M waves. Relatively and electromagnetism.

Op Eng 308 Advanced Radiometry 3
Review of E-M radiation based on Maxwell’s Equations. Radiometric quantities, sources and propagation. Theory and application of Blackbody radiation. Advanced topics in radiometry. Classes of radiation detection, detection types and calibration. Prerequisites: Op Eng 208, Math 202.

Op Eng 310, Fiber Optics Communications (Optics and Lightwave Overview) 3
Integrated optic waveguides. Fiber designs, coupling systems and evaluation. Light sources, modulation, distribution, optics communications, detection and noise evaluation. System design. Prerequisite: Op Eng 206

Op Eng 314, Optical Engineering Mathematics 4
Mathematical methods of solution for geometrical optics, optical imaging, and diffraction optics problems. Includes ordinary and partial differential equations, matrices operations, complex analytic functions, sequences and series, probability, and statistics, FOURIER series, and transforms in optical applications. Prerequisite: Math 202.

Op Eng 320, Optical System Design 4
Optical system and configuration design procedures for various types of lenses, mirrors, catadioptic laser electro-optics and telescope systems. Lab.

Op Eng 410, This Film in Optics 3
Optics of dielectric layers and basic design units. Optics of metals, systems of layers, general theorems, and metal/ dielectric design units. Synthesis of tuned multilayer, inhomogeneous layers and thick layer considerations.

Op Eng 420, Advanced Optical System and Design 4
Advanced systems consideration and design. Optimization techniques and image evaluation in Code V. Laser raster output scanner system, optical disk system, imaging spectrometer system, gradient index optical system, holographic optical elements system design, MTF analysis. LAB Prerequisite: Op Eng 320

Op Eng 424, Advanced Diffraction Optics 3
Diffraction studies with application using Fourier Synthesis techniques. Constructs theory of image formation, optical data processing, and holography based upon diffraction and Fourier series. Stresses design and practical applications of theory.

Op Eng 440, Optical Testing and Measurement 4
General concepts and procedures utilized in optical testing and measurements with emphasis on individual components and complete lenses or systems. Lab.

The Optical Engineering Program Department of ULV has awarded approximately 120 BS in optical engineering from 1984 to 1996. Most graduates from ULV have an excellent career and are well paid. Their achievements and contributions to society are very, very impressive!

4. The Graduates and Products from the Practical Hands on Program

The graduates and products created from the two Practical Hands on Programs are very impressive. They have made a lot of contribution to their families as well as to the community. In the following, the names, current position, and associations are listed. From the able, you will be able to find out the field that they are in and that they are in a field quite different from what they were originally educated to do. It has shown the programs have benefited them to do more independent learning.

Name Graduated College/ University Current Position Current Association Field
Andrew, Jeff PCC Laser Engineer Beckman Laser Inst/UCI Medical Laser

Ang, Anthony ULV Sr. Engineer Xerox Laser Scanner Design
Banh, Loi PCC/ULV Optical Engineer POC Fiber Optics
Bell, Steve PCC Engineer UDT Detector
Bossin, John PCC President Owner Machine Optics Opto-Mechanics
Brown, Vernon PCC Sr Engineer Teledyne Fiber Optics
Cady, Geoffrey PCC/ULV Teacher CRESTI High School Education
Campbell, Michael ULV Sr Engineer Hughes Optical Design
Chakigari, Agauni ULV Engineer Melles Griot Optics/Laser
Chao, Andy PCC/ULV Field Engineer Cymer Excimer Laser
Chen, John PCC/ULV Vice President Alpha Photonics Semiconductor Laser
Chu, Nancy PCC/ ULV General Manager Soltec Trade
Cobb, Steven PCC Engineer Technician JPL Optics
Coito, Jose PCC Project Engineer JPL Space Optics
Cook, David PCC/ULV Sr Optical Engineer Perkin-Elmer Spectrometer
Delcamp, Spencer PCC/ULV Project Engineer RocketDye Optics/Laser
Diep, Joseph PCC/ULV Vice President Semco Semiconductor Laser
Dougherty, William PCC/ULV Scientist Boeing Integrated Optics
Duong, George PCC Packing Eng Ortel Laser
Garcia-Nunez, Dawn PCC/ULV Project Engineer Optical Research Associates Marketing/Optical Design
Geraghty, Edward PCC/ULV Project Engineer Bausch & Lomb IOL
Huang, Kang PCC/ULV Operation Director Control Optics Laser Safety & Optics
Jiang, Paul PCC/ULV Vice President Avanex Fiber Optics
Jimenez, George PCC Manager UDT Detector
Name Graduated College/ University Current Position Current Association Field
Kadogawa, Hiroshic PCC/ULV Sr Optical Engineer JPL Optical Design
Kalindjian, Viken ULV Manager Teledyne Fiber Optics
Kunzler, Friedrich ULV Manager OCA/Corning Aerospace
Moen, Jeff PCC Tech Support Manager Cymer Excimer Laser
Peterson, Joel PCC/ULV Vice President Wavefront Tech Holography
Reyes, George PCC/ULV Engineer JPL Optical Testing
Rich, Chris PCC President Wavefront Tech Holography
Taylor, Carolyn PCC Supervisor Ortel Telecommunication
Tu, Chan PCC/ULV President/Chairman of Board Semco Semiconductor Laser
Valdez, Robert PCC/ULV Manager, Optics Melles Griot Optics

5. Conclusion

We developed our curriculum based on educational concepts created by our organization. We have carried out our mission to produce our educational product-laser technician, optical engineer and entrepreneur. It has been proved successful. With the acceleration of technological advancements, as an educator, we need to train our students to learn on their own to allow them to grow not only in their business, but also their education. As Educators for the year 2000, we should be encouraged to take on such a challenge!

Acknowledgements

Vernon Spaulding was the most important contributor during the development of the PCC Laser Technology Program and ULV optical engineering program. Dr. Richard Meyers, the former President of PCC, and Dr. Norman Juster, former Chair of Physical Science, offered a lot of encouragement in to establish the PCC Laser Technology Program. Without Dr. Meyers and Dr. Juster’s support, 400 trained laser/optics technician and 120 BS degrees given to optical engineers would not be educated. From 1986 to 1996, Dr. Bruce Carter had given a lot of support to the PCC Laser Technology Program. Dr. Armen Sakafian, a former ULV president has also given us a lot of support and encouragement.

In the Republic of China, Dr. Peter Shih of National Electro-Optics Council and President Wei-Chun Chen supported the concept and development of a laser electro-optics tech and optical engineering education in the Republic of China (Taiwan).

References

1. Pasadena City College, PCC Catalog 1985-1986, Pasadena, CA, 1985.
2. University of La Verne, ULV Catalog 1986-1997, La Verne, CA, 1986.
3. University of Rochester, UOR Catalog 1982-1983, Rochester NY, 1982.
4. University of Arizona, UOA Catalog 1983-1984, Tucson, AZ, 1983.
5. V. Spaulding, “History of PCC Laser/Optics Technology,” Private Communication, Pasadena, CA, 1984.

Awards of PCC-LEOT

Wai-Min Liu Annual Scholarship Award
Fall 1980- Eugene Andrade
Spring 1981- Steve McCahon
Fall 1981- Kent A. Ranthum
Spring 1982- James McCoy
Spring 1982- Jeff S. Voyles
Fall 1982- Robert Bowman
Fall 1982- David Hays
Spring 1983- Karen Ford
Fall 1983- Margarette Boyadjian
Spring 1984- Shi-Qi Jiang (Paul)
Fall 1984- Patricia Friedman
Fall 1984- Saul Krotki
Spring 1985- John Chen
Spring 1986- Robert Handcastle
Spring 1987- Kang Huang
Spring 1988- Hoa “Karen” Ly

PCC LEOT Industrial Scholarship
Summer 1983 SPIE- Karen Ford
Fall 1983 TRW- Jefferey J. Andrews
Fall 1983 TRW- Timothy Traynor
Spring 1984 TRW- Terry Reed
Spring 1984 TRW- Aris Aspiotes
Spring 1984 TRW- Kenneth Hackman
Summer 1984 SPIE- Patricia Friedman
Fall 1984 TRW- Karen J. Comings
Fall 1984 TRW- Dawn S. Evans
Spring 1985 OSA- Karen Comings
Spring 1985 TRW- Steve Elieson
Spring 1985 TRW- Chris Rich
Fall 1985 LIA SC- Bob Handcastle
Spring 1986 TRW- Michelle E. Saldana
Spring 1986 Robyn Optics- Coralee R. Koning
Spring 1986 Newport- Quyen Diep
Spring 1986 Perkin Elms- Kevin Tice & Ed Miedema
Fall 1986 (LIASC)- Douglas O. Walker
Fall 1986 (LIASC)- Tony Molina