Nature of the Work

Advances in technology and communications move at the speed of light. Much of our communications system is based on transmitting information, in the form of light, through optical fibers. Engineers who develop the tools and technical applications of light are called photonics engineers. The science of photonics is the generation, transmission, modulation, and detection of light.

Photonics engineers are concerned with devising and improving sources of light and the optical fibers that the light travels through. These engineers must have a thorough knowledge of physics, engineering, and optics. Working in this field allows one to investigate a variety of areas. Photonics engineers can:

As the need increases for humans to share information faster using precision equipment, photonics engineers can expect to be at the forefront of cutting-edge technology.

In this video Dr. Stanley Rogers of the Air Force Research Lab at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base describes what photonics is and how it can be used in several applications.

Work Environment

Most photonics engineers work in office buildings, laboratories, or industrial plants. Some engineers travel extensively to plants or work sites, both in the U.S. and abroad. Many engineers work a standard 40-hour week. At times, however, deadlines or design standards may bring extra pressure to a job, requiring engineers to work longer hours.

Training, Other Qualifications

Most photonics engineers begin as assistants to experienced engineers. As they gain experience, they may become supervisors or specialize in a particular aspect of laser or fiber-optics technology. Some engineers advance to management positions. A few engineers with the necessary education can become research directors or principal engineers. Engineers may also advance by starting their own consulting or manufacturing companies.

Photonics engineers should learn how to use systems for computer-assisted design and drafting (or CADD) and computer-assisted manufacturing (or CAM). The laser and fiber-optics field is advancing rapidly, and engineers in this profession must continually update their knowledge to maintain their expertise by taking classes.

Education and Training

You need at least a bachelor's degree in one of several engineering specialties to enter this field. These degrees include electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, engineering science, or engineering physics. Some colleges and universities offer degrees in optics technology or photonics. It usually takes four to five years to earn a bachelor's degree in engineering. Certain positions in the laser and fiber-optics profession, such as optical designer, require an advanced degree. You can obtain a master's degree in one or two years of additional full-time study. It generally takes about four years of study after earning a bachelor's degree to receive a PhD. A PhD is required to teach at the university level in this field as well as for industrial research and development positions.

Other Qualifications

Photonics engineers should be creative, inquisitive, analytical, and detail oriented. They should be able to work as part of a team and to communicate well, both orally and in writing. Communication skills are becoming increasingly important as photonics engineers frequently interact with specialists in a wide range of fields outside of engineering.

On the Job

• Design, integrate, or test photonic systems and components.
• Develop optical or imaging systems such as optical-imaging products, optical components, image processes, signal-process technologies, and optical systems.
• Analyze system performance or operational requirements.
• Write reports or research proposals.
• Assist in the transition of photonic prototypes to production.
• Develop and test photonic prototypes or models.
• Conduct testing to determine functionality and optimization or to establish limits of photonic systems or components.
• Design electro-optical sensing systems.
• Read current literature, talk with colleagues, continue education, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in the field.
• Conduct research on new photonic technologies.
• Determine applications of photonics appropriate to meet product objectives and features.
• Document design processes including objectives, issues, and outcomes.
• Oversee or provide expertise on manufacturing, assembly, or fabrication processes.
• Train operators, engineers, or other personnel.
• Determine commercial, industrial, scientific, or other uses for electro-optical applications or devices.
• Design gas lasers, solid-state lasers, infrared, or other light-emitting or light-sensitive devices.
• Analyze, fabricate, or test fiber-optic links.
• Create or maintain photonic design histories.
• Develop laser-process designs such as laser-cut medical devices.
• Design laser-machining equipment for purposes such as high-speed ablation.
• Select, purchase, set up, operate, or troubleshoot state-of-the-art laser-cutting equipment.

Source: StateUniversity.com

Companies That Hire Photonics Engineers

• Coherent
• Infinera
• JDSU

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Sources

• O*Net Online. (2009). National Center for O*Net Development. Retrieved May 1, 2009, from http://online.onetcenter.org/
• StateUniversity.com (n.d.). Photonics Engineer Job Description, Career as a Photonics Engineer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job. Net Industries. Retrieved June 17, 2010, from http://careers.stateuniversity.com/pages/413/Photonics-Engineer.html
• OPTECcom. (2009, June 10). Photonics Career Videos: Dr. Bruce Brinson. Retrieved June 17, 2010, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFihfm-w3qU&feature=related
• ThinkTVPBS. (2009, January 29). Engineering Your Future - Photonics Engineer. Retrieved June 17, 2010, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWuwbw7sdpk

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