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In response to the growing demand of photonic systems engineers in industries, this paper proposes a term project that help students gain insight into photonics instrumentation via a grating-based spectrometer. The students are guided through simulations and experiments for the spectral filtering system and then implement the spectrometer using some technical notes and testing kits. They perform experiments and tests to verify and refine their works. A contest is held at the end of the course where the measurement accuracy and repeatability of the proposed systems are evaluated. This project has been used for two semesters, and both the instructors' and the students' feedback are discussed. Index Terms--Photonics education, photonics instrumentation, project-based learning.

This paper proposes a remote education system, Virtual Photonics Experiments Network (V-PEN), for teaching photonics experiments. In this approach, teaching and learning photonics become easier by the V-PEN. A design procedure for transforming real experiments to online experiments is also proposed, and a Michelson interference system as an example is employed to describe the procedures of the online experiments. This photonics experiment platform has been used for a semester. The survey of learners' feedback is also presented. Index Terms--Distance learning, online experiment, photonics education, photonics experiment, photonics laboratory, remote education, virtual laboratory.

An integrative undergraduate photonics curriculum has been developed that utilizes three active learning methods: case studies, team learning, and project-based learning (PBL). This two-course sequence at Oklahoma State University's Light Applications in Science and Engineering Research Collaborative Undergraduate Laboratory for Teaching (LASER CULT), is designed as an introduction to optics and photonics for electrical engineering students. The LASER CULT has three primary goals: make course concepts more relevant to students, provide students with training and positive experiences in functioning on a team, and introduce in-depth projects that require higher level problem-solving skills, such as evaluation and synthesis. To accomplish these goals, which are synergistic with Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) outcomes, LASER CULT courses use two in-depth design projects that are constructed by student teams under realistic constraints rather than focusing on hierarchical concepts. The relevance of course content to students is increased by recreating the environment of practicing engineers. Assessment data, measured through individual reflection included in team portfolios and student assessment of learning gains, demonstrate the effectiveness of this format for meeting course goals and ABET criteria and pipelining students into graduate school. Index Terms--Case studies, engineering education, lasers, optics, photonics, project-based learning (PBL), team learning.

Invisible Technology Photonics is the study, research and development of equipment and concepts used in the transmission of information through light, including fiber optics and experimental laser technologies. Optics, the [...]

Abstract - It is generally believed that, ultimately, photonics will outperform electronics in the area of ultrafast switching and computing. Today's student will help develop the necessary elements to make optical computing possible in tomorrow's world. In this paper, we discuss how a simple and inexpensive all-optical light switch can be built for teaching and demonstrating photonics in a classroom or for undergraduate lab experiments. The discussion of this readily understandable device will familiarize the student with the similarities and differences between photonics and electronics. As an example, we consider how this device relates to all-optical computing circuits, promoting a comparison between electronic and optical integrated circuits., Photonic switching can be demonstrated using a simple all-optical light swtich in a classroom session or a laboratory experiment. Illustrating how a nonlinear switching behavior can be used to arrive at specific material properties, the proposed method provides students with hands-on knowledge in photonics and optical properties of materials. Including a discussion of related all-optical integrated circuits in the program introduces students to photonics architecture concepts and their strengths and weaknesses. It serves as an introduction to photonics itself.

Abstract - Course and implementation recommendations are presented for establishing a B. S. degree in photonics, a discipline combining elements of both physics and electrical engineering with an emphasis in modern optics., A proposed curriculum in photonics seeks to equip the student with the qualifications needed by the optoelectronic industry in view of changing industrial trends. Students will be accorded academic guidance to support a student's career plan, familiarizing the student with personnel and management concepts and the changing demands of the industry. The program is also flexible enough to prepare the student to go on to graduate studies.

Abstract - Photonics is becoming an increasingly important area of study for those involved in applications typically considered within the domain of electrical engineering. This report describes how the conventional undergraduate electrical engineering curriculum can accommodate, and be enriched by, an infusion of optical-related subjects., Electical engineering graduates with qualifications needed by the photonics industry can be produced by enriching the electrical engineering curriculum. Basic and elective courses on Photonics should be included in university and college curricula since Photonics is significant to the electrical engineering and not merely an applied technology which can be rendered obsolete in time. Photonics is applicable to several important areas such as computers, communications and circuits among others.

RESEARCH AND EDUCATION AT THE NASA/FISK UNIVERSITY CENTER FOR PHOTONIC MATERIALS AND DEVICES. Enrique Silberman, Fisk University, Nashville, Tennessee. In 1992, NASA awarded Fisk University a 10 year grant to [...]