Areas of Specialization
With planning you can tailor your Optics and Technical Electives to your specific interest. Please note, choosing a specialization is optional.
Biophotonics. Biophotonics is the science of involving light (or photons) in the study of biological and medical significant problems. Many problems in biology have now become amenable to quantitative investigation by physical techniques, and light plays an important role in this area of research. Light or photons are used in manipulating and identifying biomolecular structures at a very fundamental level, as small as a single molecule. Photonic methods are also employed in diseased state characterization, and in some cases, light has been used to aid the physician as surgical or therapeutic tools in place of scalpels or other pharmaceuticals. A student in biophotonics integrates the study of physics, chemistry and engineering with biology and medicine.
Imaging. Creating and manipulating images is the oldest activity in the optical sciences, since it deals so intimately with human vision and the perception of the world around us. Lenses, prisms, mirrors, and a host of other elements can all be a part of a modern imaging system. This program emphasizes the analysis and design of optical imaging systems, and, in conjunction with other basic courses in relevant areas, will prepare students to contribute to many branches of industry and science that require the preparation, modification, projection, and analysis of optical images.
Lasers and Spectroscopy. The unique properties of laser light have been widely used in science and technology. Lasers are quickly forming the backbone of our communication system, where light signals are transmitted through optical fibers carrying extremely wide information bandwidths. Lasers are used in surveying, guided missiles, and astronomy, because laser light projects long distances in very narrow beams. Lasers are widely used as a diagnostic tool in the sciences because laser light is coherent and has a narrow bandwidth. The student will understand these properties of laser light, as well as the potential for future applications.
Opto-electronics and Opto-communications. Opto-electronics and opto-communications are the enabling technologies that drive the development of the Internet, telephony, optical switching, next-generation computers, and secure data transmission. This program emphasizes the analysis and design of opto-communication and opto-electronics systems, and, in conjunction with other basic courses in relevant areas, will prepare students for many branches of industry and science.