Introduction to Lasers

Course Description

ETS2230C – Introduction to Lasers is a 3-credit, combined lecture and laboratory course ("C" lab indicator) in the Engineering Technologies taxonomy under Specialty Engineering Technology. The course introduces students to the fundamental principles of laser physics, laser system components, laser types and their characteristics, and practical applications in industry, medicine, communications, and defense. Laboratory activities provide hands-on experience with laser equipment, optical alignment, measurement, and safety protocols. This course is the second in a two-course photonics sequence at Florida colleges offering the Laser and Photonics Certificate of Completion (CCC) and is applicable toward the Electronics Engineering Technology A.S. degree.

Curricular materials are aligned with resources developed by the National Center for Optics and Photonics Education (OP-TEC), a University of Central Florida initiative supported by the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program, ensuring technician-level, standards-based coverage of laser and photonics concepts used in two-year college programs statewide.

Learning Outcomes

Required Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Explain the fundamental principles of laser operation, including stimulated emission, population inversion, optical gain, and resonant cavity function.
• Identify and describe the distinguishing properties of laser light: monochromaticity, directionality, coherence, and brightness.
• Apply and demonstrate laser safety practices in accordance with ANSI Z-136.1 and Florida Administrative Code Chapter 64E-4, including proper use of laser protective eyewear and identification of laser hazard classifications (Class 1 through Class 4).
• Classify major laser types (gas, solid-state, semiconductor/diode, fiber, excimer) and match each to its typical operating wavelength and industrial or scientific application.
• Describe and measure key laser output characteristics, including wavelength, power/energy, beam divergence, coherence length, and pulse parameters.
• Perform basic optical alignment of laser beam paths using mirrors, lenses, and beam-steering components following safe handling and positioning procedures.
• Identify the components of a laser system, including the gain medium, pump source, and optical resonator (cavity), and explain the function of each.
• Interpret and apply specifications from laser datasheets and technical documentation in laboratory and workplace contexts.

Optional Learning Outcomes

Depending on institutional focus and available laboratory equipment, students may also be able to:

• Demonstrate Q-switching and mode-locking techniques and explain how they produce high-peak-power or ultrashort laser pulses.
• Explain frequency doubling (second harmonic generation) and other nonlinear optical effects used to extend laser wavelength coverage.
• Describe the construction and operating principles of fiber lasers and their advantages in high-power and telecommunications applications.
• Troubleshoot common laser system faults using systematic diagnostic and troubleshooting strategies.
• Describe laser applications in materials processing, including cutting, drilling, welding, and marking.
• Explain the role of lasers in medical and biomedical applications, including ophthalmology, dermatology, and surgical procedures.
• Analyze photonic systems integration, describing how lasers interface with detectors, modulators, and fiber-optic components.

Major Topics

Required Topics

The following content areas are covered in all standard offerings of ETS2230C:

• Review of Light and Photonics Fundamentals – Electromagnetic spectrum, nature and properties of light, coherence, polarization, and photon energy concepts as they apply to laser operation.
• Principles of Laser Operation – Atomic energy levels, absorption, spontaneous emission, stimulated emission, population inversion, optical gain, and threshold conditions.
• Laser Resonator (Optical Cavity) Design – Plane and curved mirror configurations, stability criteria, longitudinal and transverse modes, and beam quality.
• Laser Output Characteristics – Wavelength, spectral linewidth, beam divergence, coherence length, CW vs. pulsed operation, and beam divergence measurement.
• Laser Safety – ANSI Z-136.1 and ANSI Z-136.5 laser safety standards; Florida DOH Chapter 64E-4 regulations; laser hazard classifications (Class 1–4); ocular and skin hazards; laser protective eyewear (OD ratings); Nominal Ocular Hazard Distance (NOHD); controlled areas and warning signage; Laser Safety Officer (LSO) responsibilities.
• Gas Lasers – Construction, pumping mechanisms, and applications of He-Ne, CO₂, and argon-ion lasers; output wavelengths and power ranges.
• Solid-State Lasers – Nd:YAG laser construction, flashlamp and diode pumping, free-running and Q-switched operation; ruby laser history and operation.
• Semiconductor (Diode) Lasers – P-N junction electroluminescence, threshold current, edge-emitting and VCSEL configurations, wavelength ranges, and applications in communications and pumping.
• Laser Applications Overview – Industrial (cutting, drilling, welding, marking), medical (ophthalmology, surgery, dermatology), communications (fiber optic transmitters), measurement (LIDAR, interferometry), and defense/research.
• Optical Components and Beam Handling – Lenses, mirrors, beamsplitters, filters, polarizers; safe optical handling and positioning techniques; Snell's Law and geometric optics review as applied to beam manipulation.
• Laboratory Practices – Hands-on setup and alignment of laser systems; power/energy measurement with photodetectors and power meters; beam profiling; documentation of experimental results.

Optional Topics

The following topics may be included based on program focus, available equipment, and instructor selection:

• Q-Switching, Mode Locking, and Frequency Doubling – Techniques for generating pulsed, ultrashort, or frequency-converted laser output; electro-optic and acousto-optic modulators.
• Excimer Lasers – UV wavelength generation, gas mixtures, pulsed operation, and applications in photolithography and medical procedures (LASIK).
• Fiber Lasers – Rare-earth-doped fiber gain media, fiber Bragg gratings, high-power configurations, and applications in materials processing and telecommunications.
• Laser Materials Processing – Detailed study of laser–material interaction: ablation, thermal effects, drilling, cutting parameters, and marking systems.
• Photonic Systems Integration – Integration of lasers with detectors, modulators, fiber-optic components, and electro-optical systems; system-level troubleshooting strategies.
• Laser Measurement and Metrology – Interferometry, laser rangefinding, LIDAR, and barcode/scanner applications.
• Introduction to Nonlinear Optics – Second harmonic generation, optical parametric oscillation, and wavelength conversion basics.

Resources & Tools

• OP-TEC Course 1 – Fundamentals of Light and Lasers (National Center for Optics and Photonics Education / UCF CREOL): Six-module technician-level textbook covering nature of light, optical handling, laser safety, geometrical and physical optics, and principles of lasers. Freely downloadable at photonics.creol.ucf.edu.
• OP-TEC Course 2 – Laser Systems and Applications, 2nd Edition (UCF / NSF ATE): Ten-module student text and laboratory manual used as the primary resource in many Florida two-year college offerings of ETS2230C. Includes lab videos, safety protocols, and workplace scenarios.
• Laser power/energy meter and photodetector – For measuring CW and pulsed output in the laboratory.
• Optical breadboard, rail, and component mounts – For beam alignment and optical path experiments.
• Laser protective eyewear (wavelength-specific, rated OD) – Required PPE for all lab activities per ANSI Z-136.1 and ANSI Z-136.5.
• ANSI Z-136.1 American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers – Reference standard for laser classification and safety program requirements.
• Florida Administrative Code Chapter 64E-4 – State of Florida regulation governing control of non-ionizing radiation hazards from lasers, administered by the Florida Department of Health.
• Laser Institute of America (LIA) – Professional organization offering safety training resources, standards documents, and industry guidance (lia.org).

Career Pathways

Completion of ETS2230C, as part of the Laser and Photonics Certificate of Completion (CCC) or the Electronics Engineering Technology A.S. degree at Florida colleges such as Hillsborough Community College, prepares students for entry-level and mid-level technician roles in photonics-enabled industries. Representative career pathways include:

• Electro-Optics / Laser Technician – Assembly, alignment, testing, and maintenance of laser systems and electro-optical equipment in manufacturing or R&D settings.
• Photonics Systems Technician – Integration and troubleshooting of laser-based systems in telecommunications, defense, and sensing industries.
• Laser Manufacturing Technician – Operation of laser cutting, welding, drilling, and marking equipment in precision manufacturing environments.
• Biomedical / Medical Laser Technician – Support and maintenance of laser equipment used in ophthalmology, dermatology, and surgical applications.
• Fiber Optics / Telecommunications Technician – Installation and maintenance of fiber-optic communication systems in which laser diodes serve as light sources.
• Quality Control / Metrology Technician – Application of laser measurement instruments in dimensional inspection and quality assurance.

Special Information

Laser Safety Certification & Compliance

Florida colleges offering ETS2230C are required to comply with the Florida Administrative Code Chapter 64E-4 (Control of Non-Ionizing Radiation Hazards), administered by the Florida Department of Health (FDOH). All Class 3B and Class 4 lasers used in instruction must be registered with the FDOH Bureau of Radiation Control. Institutions must designate a qualified Laser Safety Officer (LSO) who is responsible for overseeing compliance, conducting lab inspections, and approving laser standard operating procedures (SOPs). Faculty and students must complete required laser safety training before operating Class 3B or Class 4 equipment.

Laboratory safety activities in this course comply with ANSI Z-136.1 (Safe Use of Lasers) and ANSI Z-136.5 (Safe Use of Lasers in Educational Institutions), as recommended by OP-TEC course materials. Students who complete this course are well-positioned to pursue formal Laser Safety Officer (LSO) training offered by the Laser Institute of America (LIA) to support workplace compliance roles.

Program Context

ETS2230C is the capstone course in the Laser and Photonics CCC sequence and follows ETS2210C – Introduction to Photonics. Coursework earned in this sequence may be applied toward the two-year Electronics Engineering Technology A.S. degree, preparing graduates to work as electrical, electronics, or engineering technicians in photonics-enabled industries.