The Colorado Advanced Photonics Technology Center at the former Lowry Air Force Base in Aurora opened in January. The center is the result of a collaboration of the Colorado Advanced Technology Institute, the University of Colorado and the state's community college system. It features a design lab for computer-aided design of photonics systems; a characterization lab for measuring optical characteristics of components and systems; a quality lab for testing systems in different environments; a processing lab for making integrated optics and optical thin films; and a packaging lab for electrical and optical packaging of components. The center will provide training to employees of businesses in the region and two-year photonics degrees for students at Pueblo Community College. It will offer its first courses next month.