Optical Imaging Research Lab0ratory

Optical Engineering is the field of study that focuses on the development and applications of optics and photonics. Optical Engineering includes:

• Imaging components, systems, and processing.

• Optical instrumentation, techniques, and measurement.

• Optical design and engineering.

• Lasers, fiber optics, and communications.

• Optical materials, photonic devices, and sensors.

Optical Engineers may be involved in anything from advanced research on optical properties to the development and commercialization of the optical product. Job opportunities in the industry include defense, medical technology, clean energy, nanotechnology, automotive manufacturing, electronics, communications, entertainment, computers, and other consumer products. 

According to research by Economic Modeling Specialists Intl., there were 147,913 annual job openings in 2019 with 7.9% projected growth over the next 10 years. Optical engineer's median salary is $96,000, reaching $155k for experienced senior workers. More interestingly, as the COV-19 pandemic spreads across the world, optics and photonics technologies have provided rapid preliminary screening of potentially infected individuals, more accurate molecular diagnosis, and reliable monitoring of disease progression*.

Now more than ever, the need for optics and photonics technologies to make significant contributions to global health is clear. The long-term OIRL goal is the contribution to the creation of a climate that attracts talented people of all races, genders, and nationalities to advance knowledge in imaging instrumentation.

*T. M. Baer and C. E. Baer, "Optics and the COVID-19 Pandemic," Optics & Photonics News May (2020).