LASER-TEC is the Center for Laser and Fiber Optics Education, founded in 2013 by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and headquartered at Indian River State College in Florida. It was established to help meet the goals of educating and sourcing domestic talent in the areas of optics and photonics. As a service to students, recent graduates, and prospective employers, Photonics Spectra runs a profile of one of the LASER-TEC colleges each month. Front Range Community College (FRCC) offers a two-year associate of applied science (AAS) degree program in optics technology, as well as a one-year certificate program. Both programs were developed with the support of the Colorado Photonics Industry Association (CPIA), which helps FRCC students to network with relevant employers, including Excelitas Technologies, Perkins Precision Developments, Meadowlark Optics, and Thorlabs. Program In FRCC’s AAS and certificate programs for optics, students receive an overview of the fundamentals of optics systems, equipment, and electronic instruments. Both programs prepare students for entry-level positions in the optics manufacturing industry through instruction on optical engineering drawings and prints, lean manufacturing methods, statistical process control, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing for optics. Students focus on the unique practices and tool sets within each subject and prepare for jobs in laboratory and cleanroom environments. Graduates of FRCC’s degree and certificate programs have the skills to: • Demonstrate an understanding of the nature and properties of light and lasers using basic geometrical and physical optics. • Demonstrate safe and proper handling and operation of laboratory, optics fabrication, and test equipment. • Use tools and techniques to measure optical parameters and systems, and collect, organize, and interpret data to draw proper conclusions. • Define the documentation of design intent using prints and the interpretation of tolerancing symbols. • Define and demonstrate optics manufacturing, fabrication, quality testing, and troubleshooting techniques. • Explain how efficient manufacturing processes affect optics manufacturing. • Understand, build, and learn about electrical and electronic instrumentation as it applies to optical and photonic systems. • Apply written and verbal communication skills to effectively execute work instructions and report information. • Demonstrate optical alignment, building, and testing of optical systems. • Understand and practice safe use of light sources, including lasers. How to recruit from this college Send job postings to the contact person below. If possible, visit FRCC to present your company and employment opportunities to our students. We will make available a private room in which to interview interested students. Please contact the person below to make arrangements for a recruiting visit. Graduates are available every May. Contact information Amanda Meier +1 303-678-3796 amanda.meier@frontrange.edu 1351 S. Sunset St. Longmont, CO 80501 Program website www.frontrange.edu/optics Optics Technology Program Director Amanda Meier demonstrates alignment on a ZYGO interferometer. Courtesy of Front Range Community College.