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Laser-Photonics-Optics

Laser/Photonics/Optics

About the Program

This program offers an Associate in Applied Science degree and three certificate options to prepare students for positions as photonics technicians installing and troubleshooting lasers, optical systems, fiber optic devices, telecommunications equipment, photonics manufacturing equipment and simple control systems.

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Why study at CLC?

The Lasers, Photonics and Optics field has enormous growth potential because lasers are used everywhere today, from marking prescription drug bottles to manufacturing aircraft. CLC is the only community college in the Chicago area to offer an Associate in Applied Science degree and certificates in this leading-edge field.

The college has several years experience in offering strong career preparation in the field. It first introduced a certificate in the field in 2009. and introduced the degree program in Fall 2014 based on employer feedback. 

The college continually invests in updating equipment. Recent acquisitions are a fiber optic laser and computer-controlled adaptive optics technology.

By completing our Laser/Photonics/Optics program, you will:

  • Learn at the only college in Illinois to offer an Associate in Applied Science degree and certificates in this leading-edge field. The program is housed in the new Science and Engineering building, which opened in 2018.
  • Gain hands-on experience with the industry’s latest equipment, including a fiber laser cutting and welding system and a high-wattage laser.
  • Learn from instructors with industry experience and training skills. They not only have technical knowledge and experience, they know how to communicate and share their knowledge with beginners.

 

Laser/Photonics/Options Program

From explosives detectors in airport security to blood tests that don't require a pin prick, light and lasers have hundreds of applications in daily life. The fascinating world of photonics (from the word, "photon," a unit of light) studies the science of light and its practical uses. College of Lake County (CLC) is the first community college in Chicagoland to offer a certificate program in this leading-edge field, which was launched in fall 2011.

Read the video transcript.

See also: Laser/Photonics/Optics program offered by the Lake County High Schools Technology Campus and CLC.