The request to revise the Ph.D. and M.S. Programs in Optical Science and Engineering

Approved On: June 10, 2015
Approved by: Graduate Council
Implementation Date: Spring 2016

---

Note: Deletions are strikethroughs.  Insertions are underlined.

---

Catalog Copy

2014-2015 Graduate Catalog:

Ph.D. in Optical Science and Engineering

 

Programs of Study

The M.S. and Ph.D. programs in Optical Science and Engineering is interdisciplinary, involving primarily five science and engineering departments and two centers (Departments of Physics & Optical Science, Chemistry, Mathematics & Statistics, Electrical & Computer Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering & Engineering Science; the Center for Optoelectronics & Optical Communications; and the Center for Precision Metrology).  The program is administered through the Department of Physics and Optical Science.  The purpose of the program is to educate scientists and engineers who will develop the next generation of optical technology.  The program emphasizes basic and applied interdisciplinary education and research in the following specialties of optics:

• Micro-optics and nanophotonics
• Fiber and integrated optics
• Optoelectronic materials and devices
• Biomedical optics
• Optical interferometry and metrology
• Optical fabrication
• Nanoscale imaging and spectroscopy
• Adaptive optics
• Optical communication
• Novel light-matter interactions
• Quantum optics
• Optical sensors and measurements

A complete description of the research activity within the Optical Science and Engineering program can be accessed online.

Documents to be Submitted for M.S or Ph.D. Admission

• UNC Charlotte online application for graduate admission.
• Official GRE scores.
• Official TOEFL or IELTS scores from international applicants whose native language is not English, unless (if  the previous college degree was from a country where English is not the official language).
• Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended should be uploaded to the application. (Applicants offered admission will be required to submit official transcripts.)
• A minimum of three letters of reference.
• A Statement of Purpose essay detailing the applicant’s motivation and career goals.

Additional Admission Requirements

All applicants seeking admission into the Optical Science and Engineering Ph.D. program must fulfill the university’s general requirements for graduate admission at the Ph.D. level. Additional requirements for admission into the program are:

• A baccalaureate or master’s degree in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Engineering, Optics, or a related field with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 overall and 3.2 (A = 4.0) in the major. In the case a candidate presents a master’s degree at application, a minimum graduate GPA of 3.2 (A = 4.0) on all graduate work is required.
• A minimumal combined score of 1100 on the verbal and quantitative portions of the GRE General Test (tests taken prior to August 1, 2011).  A minimum combined score of 301 on the verbal and quantitative portions of the GRE revised General Test (tests taken on or after August 1, 2011).
• A minimum score of 557 (paper-based test) or 83 (Internet-based test) on the TOEFL if the previous degree was from a country where English is not the official language.
• Positive letters of recommendation.
• Students may be required to take undergraduate courses determined by the Interdisciplinary Optics Program Committee on an individual basis.  Such courses will be specified at the time of admission into the program.

Degree Requirements

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Optical Science and Engineering is awarded for completion of scholarly research that advances the knowledge base in the field of that research. Evidence of this and is demonstrated by a successful dissertation defense. Additionally, recipients of this degree should demonstrate mastery of relevant subject matter and a potential for success in future research and teaching.

The minimum requirement for the Ph.D. degree in Optical Science and Engineering is 72 credit hours beyond the baccalaureate degree. 

Each candidate for the Ph.D. degree in Optical Science and Engineering must complete the following: 

• Present evidence of competency in the Ccore Ccurriculum by successfully completing 15 18 credit hours (5 courses) of core courses with a grade of B or above in each course in the Core Curriculum
• Complete a minimum of 9 6 credit hours (3 courses) in formal of elective courses having an OPTI prefix in addition to the Ccore Ccurriculum
• Complete 2 semesters (2 credit hours)of Seminar (OPTI 8110) during the first 2 semesters of residency and complete 1 semester (1 credit hour) of  Seminar (OPTI 8110) during each academic year of residency in the program
• Complete 1 credit hour of OPTI 8610 Seminar during the fall of the first academic year in the program
• Complete 1 credit hour of OPTI 8611 Graduate Colloquium during the spring of the first academic year in the program and complete 1 credit hour of OPTI 8611 Graduate Colloquium each subsequent academic year in the program
• Complete a minimum of 24 credit hours of OPTI 8991 Ddissertation Rresearch (OPTI 8991)
• The remaining credit hours may be dissertation research credits, coursework credits or a combination
• Successfully complete the written and oral qualifying examination
• Select a dissertation advisor and form an advisory committee
• Present Prepare a Pplan of Sstudy detailing how you intend to satisfy the 72 credit hour requirement all course and examination requirements
• Successfully complete the written and oral qualifying exam
• Present Successfully submit a Ph.D. Rresearch proposal Plan
• Successfully defend the Ph.D. dissertation

PhD Students should enroll in 8000-level courses when possible.

 

The remaining credit hours must be approved on a case-by-case basis by the student’s Advisory Committee and the Optics Program Director.

A student in the Ph.D. program must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all coursework attempted for the degree.  An accumulation of two C grades will result in suspension from the program.  A grade of U earned in any course will result in suspension from the program.  An accumulation of three C grades or two U grades will result in termination from the program.

Core Curriculum

All graduates of the program must demonstrate competency in the Ccore Ccurriculum.  Students may do so by completing 18 credit hours of the 5 Ccore Ccourses with a grade of B or above in each course. and a GPA of 3.4 or above in those courses.  Failure to demonstrate competency in this manner will result in termination from the program.  Well-prepared students may demonstrate competency in the Core Curriculum by earning a grade of Pass on one or more of the five sections of a Core examination.  In those cases, credit hours that would have been earned in the courses may be replaced by credit hours in OPTI 8991 (Dissertation Research) and/or other electives approved by the student’s Advisory Committee and the Optics Program Director.  Competency is typically demonstrated by the end of the 3rd semester in the program. With program director approval, students may demonstrate competency by passing a core competency exam. Credit hours that would have been earned if the student had taken the course may be replaced by dissertation research or an approved elective.

Core Courses

 

Fall

OPTI 8101      Mathematical Methods of Optical Science and Engineering (3)

OPTI 8102      Principles of Geometrical and Physical Optics (3)

OPTI 8102L    Geometrical Optics Lab (1)

OPTI 8105      Optical Properties of Materials (3)

            OPTI 8110      Seminar

 

Spring

OPTI 8103      Light Sources and Detectors (3)

OPTI 8104      Electromagnetic Waves (3)

OPTI 8106      Principles of Physical Optics (3)
OPTI 8106L    Physical Optics Lab (2)

OPTI 8110      Seminar

OPTI 8211      Intro to Modern Optics

 

Responsible Conduct of Research
 

UNC Charlotte is committed to ensuring that doctoral students understand their obligations as researchers.  All first year doctoral students in science, math, engineering or technology are required to enroll in GRAD 8002 - Responsible Conduct of Research.  This two credit course prepares students for a range of research related issues.  Class times to be announced.

Qualifying Exam

After successful completion of the Core Curriculum, Ph.D. students will participate in a written and oral qualifying examination administered by the Ooptics Ffaculty no later than the semester following the successful demonstration of competency in the core curriculum.  If a student fails the qualifying examination, it may be retaken once.  If a student fails the exam a second time, the student’s enrollment in the Ph.D. program will be terminated.

Dissertation Advisor and Advisory Committee

Each student in the program must have a Ddissertation Aadvisor and an Aadvisory Ccommittee. before being admitted to candidacy.  The student should select a dissertation the advisor before the end of the second year of residency.  The student and the dissertation advisor jointly determine the advisory committee by agreement.  The Dissertation Aadvisor serves as Cchair of the Advisory Ccommittee and must be a member of the Optics Faculty and a regular member of the Graduate Faculty at UNC Charlotte. The Dean of the Graduate School will appoint a committee member to serve as the Graduate Faculty Representative.  The committee must have at least 4 members, one of whom is the chair and one of whom is the Graduate Faculty Representative.  the majority of which must be members of the Optics Faculty.  All members of the advisory committee must be members of the Graduate Faculty. All members of the committee must be members of the Graduate Faculty and a majority must be members of the Optics Faculty. Composition of the Aadvisory Ccommittee must be approved by the Optics Program Director and the Dean of the Graduate School.

Plan of Study

All students must should prepare a Pplan of Sstudy before the end of their fourth semester following admission to the program.  The Pplan of Sstudy should shows in detail how the student will intends to meet the 72 credit hour minimum degree requirements.  The Pplan of Sstudy must be approved by the Aadvisory Ccommittee and the optics program director.

Research Plan Proposal

After successful completion of demonstration of competency in the Ccore Ccurriculum requirement and approval of the Pplan of Sstudy, the student will prepare a written Rresearch proposal Plan and present an oral defense of the proposal that Plan presented in a public seminar to their advisory committee. This should be completed within three years following admission to the program. The research proposal, also called the dissertation topic proposal, must be approved by the advisory committee. The research proposal demonstrates the student’s knowledge of the relevant literature and the specific research problems and methods of study that, if successfully completed, will lead to an acceptable dissertation. The Research Plan must be approved by the Advisory Committee. The Research Plan must demonstrate: (a) the student’s knowledge of the relevant literature base, (b) knowledge of the specific research problems and methods of studies, and (c) a research plan that, if successfully completed, will lead to an approved dissertation.

Admission to Candidacy

Students are admitted to candidacy upon completion of the Core Curriculum with a GPA of 3.4 or above, appointment of a Ph.D. advisor, formation of an Advisory Committee, presentation of the Plan of Study, successful completion of the Qualifying Exam, and approval of the Research Plan. A student formally advances to candidacy and is considered a PhD candidate after successful demonstration of competency in the core curriculum, passing the qualifying exam, appointment of a dissertation advisor, formation of an advisory committee, completion of the plan of study, and approval of the research proposal. These steps to candidacy must should be completed within three years following admission to the program.

Dissertation

Each student will complete a minimum of 24 credit hours of dissertation research. The student must present submit a written dissertation for final review to the Aadvisory Ccommittee three weeks before the defense date. The student must defend the dissertation before the advisory committee at a presentation which is open to the university community at a presentation before the Optics Faculty. Upon approval of the written dissertation and oral presentation by the Aadvisory Ccommittee, the student has successfully completed the dissertation requirement. The dissertation must be written using a format acceptable to the Graduate School.

Residency Requirement

The student must satisfy the residence requirement for the program by completing 20 credit hours of continuous enrollment in coursework/dissertation credit. Residence is considered continuous if the student is enrolled in one or more courses in successive semesters until 20 credit hours are earned.

Time Limit for Completion of Program Requirements

All program requirements must be completed within 7 calendar years from the date the student is admitted into the program.

Transfer Credit Accepted

Up to 30 credit hours of approved coursework may be transferred from other accredited master’s and/or doctoral programs. Only courses in which the student earned a grade of B or above (or its equivalent) can be transferred. No more than 6 credit hours of approved coursework taken as a post-baccalaureate student may be applied toward the degree. Credit for dissertation research cannot be transferred.

Assistantships

Support for beginning graduate students is usually a teaching assistantship.  Continuing students are usually supported by research assistantships.

 

Application for Degree

Students should submit an Application for Degree at the beginning of the term in which they anticipate defending their dissertation.  Adherence to Graduate School deadlines is expected.  Degree requirements are completed when students successfully defend their dissertation and file the final copy of the dissertation in the Graduate School.

Comprehensive Examination

The dissertation defense is the final examination.

Language Requirement

The program has no language requirement.

Core Curriculum

A student in the Ph.D. program should plan to complete the core curriculum, shown below, during the first year of residence.  Courses taken after completion of the core curriculum are elective, but must be approved by the student’s Advisor and Advisory Committee.  Courses in the core curriculum are prerequisites to elective OPTI courses. Students in the Ph.D. program are to enroll in courses having an 8XXX number.

Fall

• OPTI 8101  Mathematical Methods of Optical Science and Engineering
• OPTI 8102  Principles of Geometrical and Physical Optics
• OPTI 8105  Optical Properties of Materials
• OPTI 8110  Seminar

Spring

• OPTI 8104  Electromagnetic Waves
• OPTI 8211  Introduction to Modern Optics
• OPTI 8110  Seminar

 

 

2014-2015 Graduate Catalog:

M.S. in Optical Science and Engineering

 

Programs of Study

The M.S. and Ph.D. programs in Optical Science and Engineering is interdisciplinary, involving primarily five science and engineering departments and two centers (Departments of Physics & Optical Science, Chemistry, Mathematics & Statistics, Electrical & Computer Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering & Engineering Science; the Center for Optoelectronics & Optical Communications; and the Center for Precision Metrology).  The program is administered through the Department of Physics and Optical Science.  The purpose of the program is to educate scientists and engineers who will develop the next generation of optical technology.  The program emphasizes basic and applied interdisciplinary education and research in the following specialties of optics:

• Micro-optics and nanophotonics
• Fiber and integrated optics
• Optoelectronic materials and devices
• Biomedical optics
• Optical interferometry and metrology
• Optical fabrication
• Nanoscale imaging and spectroscopy
• Adaptive optics
• Optical communication
• Novel light-matter interactions
• Quantum optics
• Optical sensors and measurements

A complete description of the research activity within the Optical Science and Engineering program can be accessed online.

Documents to be Submitted for M.S or Ph.D. Admission

• UNC Charlotte online application for graduate admission.
• Official GRE scores.
• Official TOEFL or IELTS scores from international applicants whose native language is not English, unless (if  the previous college degree was from a country where English is not the official language).
• Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended should be uploaded to the application. (Applicants offered admission will be required to submit official transcripts.)
• A minimum of three letters of reference.
• A Statement of Purpose essay detailing the applicant’s motivation and career goals.

Additional Admission Requirements

All applicants seeking admission into the M.S. in Optical Science and Engineering program must fulfill the University’s general requirements for graduate admission at the Master’s level.  Additional requirements for admission into the program are:

• A baccalaureate or master’s degree in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Engineering, Optics, Computer Science, or a related field with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 overall and 3.0 (A = 4.0) in the major.
• A minimumal combined score of 1000 on the verbal and quantitative portions of the GRE General Test (tests taken prior to August 1, 2011).  A minimum combined score of 293 on the verbal and quantitative portions of the GRE revised General Test (tests taken on or after August 1, 2011).
• A minimum score of 220 (computer-based test) or 557 (paper-based test) or 83 (Internet-based test)) on the TOEFL if the previous degree was from a country where English is not the official language.
• Positive letters of recommendation.
• Students may be required to take undergraduate courses determined by the Optics Program Committee on an individual basis.  Such courses will be specified at the time of admission into the program.

Degree Requirements for M.S. With Non-Thesis Option
 

The Master of Science degree with non-thesis option in Optical Science and Engineering is awarded for completion of formal coursework and demonstration of competency in the core curriculum.
 

The minimum requirement for the M.S. degree with non-thesis option in Optical Science and Engineering is 32 credit hours beyond the baccalaureate degree.

 

Each candidate for the M.S. degree with non-thesis option must complete the following:

 

• Present evidence of competency in the core curriculum by successfully completing 15 credit hours of core courses with a grade of B or above in each course
• Complete a minimum of 15 credit hours of elective courses in addition to the core curriculum
• Complete 1 credit hour of OPTI 6610 Seminar during the fall of the first academic year in the program
• Complete 1 credit hour of OPTI 6611 Graduate Colloquium during the spring of the first academic year in the program
• Prepare a plan of study detailing how you intend to satisfy the 32 credit hour requirement

 

Electives must be approved by the optics program director. M.S. students should enroll in 6000-level courses when possible.

 

A student in the M.S. program must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all coursework attempted for the degree.  An accumulation of two C grades will result in suspension from the program.  A grade of U earned in any course will result in suspension from the program.  An accumulation of three C grades or two U grades will result in termination from the program.

 

Degree Requirements for M.S With Thesis Option

 

The Master of Science degree with thesis option in Optical Science and Engineering is awarded for completion of scholarly research that advances the knowledge base in the field and is demonstrated by a successful thesis defense.
 

The minimum requirement for the M.S. degree with thesis option in Optical Science and Engineering is 32 credit hours beyond the baccalaureate degree.

 

Each candidate for the M.S. degree with thesis option must complete the following: 

 

• Present evidence of competency in the core curriculum by successfully completing 15 credit hours of core courses with a grade of B or above in each course
• Complete a minimum of 6 credit hours of elective courses in addition to the core curriculum
• Complete 1 credit hour of OPTI 6610 Seminar during the fall of the first academic year in the program
• Complete 1 credit hour of OPTI 6611 Graduate Colloquium during the spring of the first academic year in the program
• Complete a minimum of 9 credit hours of OPTI 6991 Thesis Research
• Select a thesis advisor and form an advisory committee
• Prepare a plan of study detailing how you intend to satisfy the 32 credit hour requirement
• Successfully submit an M.S. research proposal
• Successfully defend the M.S. thesis

 

Electives must be approved by the optics program director. M.S. students should enroll in 6000-level courses when possible.

 

A student in the M.S. program must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all coursework attempted for the degree.  An accumulation of two C grades will result in suspension from the program.  A grade of U earned in any course will result in suspension from the program.  An accumulation of three C grades or two U grades will result in termination from the program.

Degree Requirements

The degree of Master of Science in Optical Science and Engineering with the thesis option is awarded for completion of scholarly research that advances the knowledge base in the field of that research.  Evidence of this is demonstrated by a successful thesis defense.  The degree of Master of Science in Optical Science and Engineering with the non-thesis option is awarded for completion of formal coursework.  Additionally, recipients of this degree should demonstrate mastery of relevant subject matter and a potential for success, usually in a position with government or industry.

The minimum requirement for the M.S. in Optical Science and Engineering degree is 32 credit hours beyond the baccalaureate degree.  For the thesis option, the requirement includes a minimum of 21 credit hours of formal coursework, a minimum of 9 credit hours of thesis research, and 2 credit hours of seminar (OPTI 6110).  For the non-thesis option, the requirement includes a minimum of 30 credit hours of formal coursework and 2 credit hours of seminar (OPTI 6110).  Both options must include at least 15 credit hours in approved courses having an OPTI prefix.

All graduates of the program must demonstrate competency in the Core Curriculum.  Students may demonstrate competency in the subject matter of the Core Curriculum by earning a grade of Pass on each of the five sections of a comprehensive qualifying examination.  Each section of the comprehensive examination is based on subject matter in one of the five courses comprising the Core Curriculum.  Students who do not receive a grade of Pass on a given section of the comprehensive examination must enroll in the corresponding Core Curriculum course.  Students demonstrate competency in the Core Curriculum by passing the comprehensive examination or by earning a grade of B or above in those core courses not passed during the comprehensive examination.

Well-prepared students may earn a grade of pass on one or more of the five sections of the comprehensive examination.  In those cases, credit hours that would have been earned in the courses, upon which the sections passed were based, may be replaced by credit hours in other electives approved by the student’s Advisory Committee and the Optics Program Director.

A student in the M.S. program must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all coursework attempted for the degree.  An accumulation of two C grades will result in suspension from the program.  A grade of U earned in any course will result in suspension from the program.  An accumulation of three C grades or two U grades will result in termination from the program.

Thesis Option

After successful completion of the Core Curriculum requirement and approval of the Plan of Study, the student will prepare a Research Plan for the thesis that is approved by the Advisory Committee.  The Research Plan must demonstrate:  (a) the student’s knowledge of the relevant literature base, (b) knowledge of the specific research problems and methods of studies, and (c) a research plan that, if successfully completed, will lead to an approved thesis.  The student must present a written plan to the Advisory Committee.  The student must also make an oral defense of the Research Plan at a presentation before the Advisory Committee.

After successfully demonstrating competency in the Core Curriculum, preparation of an approved Plan of Study, and approval of the Research Plan by the Advisory Committee, the student is admitted to candidacy.  The qualifier, as described, must be completed within two years following admission to the program.  A full-time student is normally expected to complete the qualifier prior to the end of the third semester following admission to the program.

Non-Thesis Option

After successfully demonstrating competency in the Core Curriculum, the student is admitted to candidacy.  All courses used to satisfy the degree requirements must be approved by the Optics Program Director.

 

Core Curriculum

 

All graduates of the program must demonstrate competency in the core curriculum. Students may do so by completing 15 credit hours of core courses with a grade of B or above in each course. Competency is typically demonstrated by the end of the 3rd semester in the program. With program director approval, students may demonstrate competency by passing a core competency exam. Credit hours that would have been earned if the student had taken the course may be replaced by approved credits.

 

Core Courses

 

Fall

OPTI 6101      Mathematical Methods of Optical Science and Engineering (3)

OPTI 6102      Principles of Geometrical and Physical Optics (3)

OPTI 6102L    Geometrical Optics Lab (1)

OPTI 6105      Optical Properties of Materials (3)

            OPTI 6110      Seminar

 

Spring

OPTI 6103      Light Sources and Detectors (3)

OPTI 6104      Electromagnetic Waves (3)

OPTI 6106      Principles of Physical Optics (3)
OPTI 6106L    Physical Optics Lab (2)

OPTI 6110      Seminar

OPTI 6211      Intro to Modern Optics

Thesis Advisor and Advisory Committee

Each student in a program of study with the thesis option must have a thesis advisor and an advisory committee. the program must have a Thesis Advisor and an Advisory Committee before being admitted to candidacy.  The student should select a thesis the advisor before the end of the first year of residency.  The student and the thesis advisor jointly determine the advisory committee by agreement. The Thesis Aadvisor serves as Cchair of the Advisory Ccommittee and must be a member of the Optics Faculty and a regular member of the Graduate Faculty at UNC Charlotte.  The advisory committee must have at least 3 members, one of whom is the chair.  the majority of which must be members of the Optics faculty.  All members of the advisory committee must be members of the Graduate Faculty and a majority must be members of the Optics Faculty. Composition of the Aadvisory Ccommittee must be approved by the Ooptics Pprogram Ddirector.

 

Plan of Study

After successful demonstration of competency in the core curriculum, students should prepare a plan of study which shows in detail how the student will meet the degree requirements. The plan of study must be approved by the optics program director.

 

Research Proposal

 

After successful demonstration of competency in the core curriculum, a student in a program of study that includes the thesis option will prepare a written research proposal. This should be completed within two years following admission to the program. The research proposal, also called the thesis topic proposal, must be approved by the advisory committee. The research proposal demonstrates the student’s knowledge of the relevant literature and the specific research problems and methods of study that, if successfully completed, will lead to an acceptable thesis.

Qualifier and Admission to Candidacy

An M.S. student files for admission to candidacy no later than the beginning of the semester in which they expect to complete all degree requirements and graduate. The candidacy application lists the selection of coursework offered for the degree, including transferred, completed, and courses in progress. The program director approves the candidacy form which must be received in the Graduate School by the eighth instructional day of the semester. All graduates of the program must demonstrate competency in the Core Curriculum.  Students in the thesis program must prepare a Plan of Study before the end of the second semester following admission to the program.  The Plan of Study must be approved by the Advisory Committee.

Thesis

Each student in a program of study that includes a thesis option will complete a minimum of 9 credit hours of thesis research.  The student must present submit a written thesis for final review to the Aadvisory Ccommittee three weeks before the defense date.  The student must defend the thesis before the advisory committee at a presentation which is open to the university community. before the Optics Faculty. Upon approval of the written thesis and oral presentation by the Aadvisory Ccommittee, the student has successfully completed the thesis requirement.  The thesis must be written using a format acceptable to the Graduate School.

Residency Requirement

The student must satisfy the residence requirement for the program by completing 12 credit hours of continuous enrollment in coursework/thesis credit.  Residence is considered continuous if the student is enrolled in one or more courses in successive semesters until 12 credit hours are earned.

Time Limit for Completion of Program Requirements

All program requirements must be completed within 5 calendar years from the date the student is admitted into the program.

Transfer Credit Accepted

Up to 6 credit hours of approved coursework may be transferred from other accredited master’s and/or doctoral programs.  Only courses in which the student earned a grade of B or above (or its equivalent) can be transferred.  No more than 6 credit hours of approved coursework taken as a post-baccalaureate student may be applied toward the degree.  Credit for thesis research cannot be transferred.

Assistantships

Support for beginning graduate students is usually a teaching assistantship.  Continuing students are often supported by research assistantships.

 

Language Requirement

The program has no language requirement.

 

Comprehensive Examination

The thesis defense is the final examination.

 

Application for Degree

 

Students should submit an Application for Degree at the beginning of the term in which they anticipate graduating. Adherence to Graduate School deadlines is expected.

 

 

2014-2015 Graduate Catalog:
Courses in Optical Science and Engineering (OPTI)

 

M.S. Degree

OPTI 5000. Selected Topics in Optics. (3)  Prerequisite:  Permission of Optics Program Director.  Selected topics in optics from areas such as medical optics, adaptive optics, all optical networks, etc.  May be repeated for credit with change of topic.(Fall, Spring, Summer)

OPTI 5371. Waves and Optics. (3)  Cross-listed as PHYS 4271/5271 Waves and Optics. The mathematics of wave motion, light as an example of an electromagnetic wave, the superposition of periodic and non-periodic waves, and selected topics from geometrical and physical optics. (Fall, Spring)

OPTI 5392 Solid State Microelectronic Devices (3)  Cross-listed as ECGR 4131/5192 Solid State Microelectronic Devices. PN-junctions and Schottky junctions. Bipolar and field effect transistors. Optoelectronic and heterojunction devices. Lithography and integrated circuits. Microwave devices. Light emitting devices and detectors. Quantum devices using superlattices. Quantum wells and quantum dots. Material preparation and characterization. Measurement techniques. (Fall)

OPTI 6000. Selected Topics in Optics. (3)  Cross-listed as OPTI 8000.  Prerequisite:  Permission of Optics Program Director.  Selected topics in optics from areas such as medical optics, adaptive optics, all optical networks, etc. May be repeated for credit with change of topic. (Fall, Spring, Summer)

OPTI 6101. Mathematical Methods of Optical Science and Engineering. (3)  Cross-listed as OPTI 8101.  A comprehensive look at those mathematical techniques important to the understanding of optical phenomena. Topics include: Includes vector algebra and calculus, matrix theory, Fourier series and transforms, complex analysis,  Frobenius methods of solutions to ordinary differential equations, separation of variables techniques for solution of boundary value problems in partial differential equations, and special functions. Fourier series, and transform methods. Topical coverage will emphasize applications specific to the field of optics. Three lecture hours per week. (Fall)

OPTI 6102. Principles of Geometrical and Physical Optics. (3)  Cross-listed as OPTI 8102.  Ray analysis of common optical elements (mirrors, lenses and systems of lenses, prisms). Law of Rreflection and refraction, reflection and refraction at plane and spherical surfaces, paraxial imagery, mirrors, thin and thick lenses, thin lenses, lens systems, stops, principle planes, the optical invariant, vignetting, paraxial radiometry, analysis of common optical systems, real ray tracing, introduction to aberrations and image resolution in the context of the modulation transfer function. lensmaker's equation, field of view, and numerical aperture. Wave properties of light, superposition of waves, diffraction, interference, polarization, and coherence. Optics of thin films. Three lecture hours per week. (Fall)

OPTI 6102L. Geometrical Optics Lab. (1) Cross-listed as OPTI 8102L. Selected experiments in areas of geometrical optics such as index of refraction measurement, dispersing and reflecting prisms, spherical mirrors and thin lenses, imaging, optical instruments, aberration, fiber optics, and fringe projection profilometry. (Fall)

OPTI 6103. Light Sources and Detectors. (3)  Cross-listed as OPTI 8103.  The nature of light, blackbody radiation.  Optical sources, including discharge lamps, light-emitting diodes, gas and solid state lasers. Quantum wells. Continuous wave and pulsed (mode-locked, Q-switched) lasers.  Selected solid-state laser systems.  Light detection, including thermal and quantum detectors, photomultiplier tubes, diode detectors.  Noise in light sources and detectors.  Photon statistics and thermal light. Interactions of photons with atoms. Population inversion, lasing threshold, and resonator modes. Mode-locked and Q-switched lasers. Semiconductor photon sources including light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and laser diodes. Quantum-confined structures, materials, and devices. Thermal sources. Light extraction. Light detectors including photoconductive, photovoltaic and avalanche photodiodes. Noise in light sources and detectors. Three lecture hours per week. (Fall Spring)

 

OPTI 6104. Electromagnetic Waves. (3)  Cross-listed as OPTI 8104.  Course covers those optical phenomena that are explicitly associated with the electromagnetic nature of light. Includes an introduction to Maxwell’s equations, the and electromagnetic waves. Polarization and the Jones calculus. Energy and momentum conservation, boundary conditions and Fresnel equations. Waves in anisotropic (birefringent) and complex media. Modulation and deflection of optical beams (principles of acousto-optics and electro-optic devices). Propagation at interfaces,   equation, and electromagnetic wave functions.  Waves in dielectric and conducting media, dispersion.  Reflection, refraction, transmission, internal reflection, and evanescent waves at an interface.  Intensity.  Introduction to guided waves.  waveguides, and plasmons. Electromagnetic potentials and multipole radiation, scattering of light, and interaction with metallic nanoparticles. Three lecture hours per week.  (Spring)

 

OPTI 6105. Optical Properties of Materials. (3)  Cross-listed as OPTI 8105.  Photophysical and photochemical processes in materials.  Linear and nonlinear optical properties of materials.  Optical properties of semiconductors and crystals.  Optical transmission, absorption, and reflection.  Fluorescence of organic and inorganic materials.  Chiral molecular systems.  Electromagnetic wave propagation in dielectrics, semiconductors and metals. Dipole oscillator model, complex dielectric constants, and Kramers-Kronig relationship. Crystal structures and optical anisotropy. Reciprocal space and density of states. Electronic band structure. Quantum theory of radiative absorption and emission, selection rules. Direct and indirect interband absorption. Free-carrier absorption in metals and doped semiconductors. Free excitons and Frenkel excitons. Photo- and electroluminescence in semiconductors. Optical absorption and emission in quantum wells and quantum dots, and quantum Stark effect. Second and third-order optical nonlinearities. Three lecture hours per week.  (Fall)

 

OPTI 6106. Principles of Physical Optics (3)  Cross-listed as OPTI 8106.  The Fourier transform and its role in wave optics. Wave properties of light, superposition of waves, angular spectrum of plane waves, relation to ray optics, Gaussian beams,  periodic structures and surfaces, Fresnel diffraction, spatial filtering diffraction, interference and interferometers (two, multibeam, Fabry-Perot), polarization, temporal and spatial coherence, holography, imaging and resolution.  

 

OPTI 6106L. Physical Optics Lab. (2)  Cross-listed as OPTI 8106L. Selected experiments in areas of physical optics such as interference in thin films, Fabry-Perot, Michelson & Twyman-Green interferometers, polarization and diffraction of light. By the end of this course students are asked to design and implement a mini project that includes geometrical and physical optics concepts. (Spring)

 

OPTI 6110. Seminar. (1) Prerequisite: Admission to Optics M.S. program. Topics include: discussion and analysis of topics of current interest in optics; effective techniques for making presentations and utilizing library materials; ethical issues in science and engineering.  May be repeated for credit up to 4 credits.  One semester of seminar is required of all students in the Optics M.S. program during each of their first two semesters of residence.  After the first two semesters, students are required to attend a minimum number of designated lectures.  One to two hours per week. (Fall, Spring)

 

OPTI 6201. Fourier Optics and Holography. (3)  Cross-listed as OPTI 8201.  Prerequisites: OPTI 6102 and OPTI 6104. Principles of scalar, Fresnel, and Fraunhofer diffraction theory. Coherent optical data processing. Optical filtering and data processing. Holography. Three lecture hours per week. (Fall, Even years)

 

OPTI 6202. Fundamentals of Biomedical Optics. (3)  Cross-listed as OPTI 8202 and PHYS 6202.  Basic principles underlying tissue optics, laser-tissue interactions, and optical imaging, microscopy, and spectroscopy for medical applications. (Spring)

 

OPTI 6203. Metamaterials. (3)  Cross-listed as OPTI 8203. Metamaterials describes a new field of engineered materials having subwavelength structures, and which have electromagnetic properties not found in nature.  Examples include zero and negative index materials which lead to some new applications. Metamaterials are made from "meta-atoms" which are much smaller than the wavelength of the radiation.  Meta-atoms are LCR circuits having strong resonant behavior over some chosen bandwidth.  The distribution of many such atoms and their mutual interaction determine the bulk metamaterial's properties.  Describing these properties draws from electromagnetics, antenna design, atomic and molecular physics and condensed matter physics.  At increasingly small scales, i.e. at the nanoscale, both quantum and plasmonic phenomena can play a role. (Fall)

 

OPTI 6205. Advanced Optical Materials. (3)  Cross-listed as OPTI 8205.  Prerequisites: OPTI 6104 and OPTI 6105 or ECGR 6133/8133. Molecular optical materials including fabrication methods. Luminescence centers; quenching. Nonlinear optics, including higher order terms of the susceptibility tensor. Photonic crystals.  Three lecture hours per week. (Fall, Odd years)

 

OPTI 6206. Physical Optics Design and Simulation. (3)  Cross-listed as OPTI 8206. Prerequisite: OPTI 6106 or permission of instructor.  Design and simulation of optical components and systems using scalar and vector wave propagation, diffraction, and interference. The course is intended to compliment OPTI 6/8241, which focuses on optical lens and system design using geometrical ray-tracing. (Spring)

 

OPTI 6211. Introduction to Modern Optics. (3)  Cross-listed as OPTI 8211.  Prerequisite: OPTI 6102 or permission of instructor.  Fourier analysis and holography, Coherence. Introduction to light production and detection. Optical modulation, including EO effect, Kerr effect, amplitude modulation, magnetooptic effect, photoelastic effect, and acousto-optic effect. Introduction to nonlinear optics. Photonic switching. Three lecture hours per week. (Spring)

OPTI 6212. Integrated Photonics. (3)  Cross-listed as OPTI 8212.  Prerequisites: OPTI 8102 and OPTI 8104. Theory and application of optical waveguides, free-space micro-optics, and integrated photonic devices. Fabrication and integration techniques, including motivations for choice of approach (hybrid vs. monolithic, materials, size, performance, etc). Modeling and simulation. Students will be required to work with mathematical packages such as Matlab and/or Mathematica to illustrate key concepts and to implement beam propagation/optical modeling simulations. Three lecture hours per week. (Spring, Odd years)

OPTI 6221. Optical Communications. (3)  Cross-listed as OPTI 8221.  Prerequisites: OPTI 6102 and OPTI 6103. Introduction to optical communications and basic communication block such as lasers, optical modulators, and optical transceivers. Review of fibers (attenuation, dispersions, etc.). Optical amplifiers. Passive and active photonic components such as tunable lasers and filters. Coherent and incoherent detection. Signal processing, photonic switching, and point-to-point links / connections. Three lecture hours per week. (Spring)

OPTI 6222. Optical Communication Networks. (3)  Cross-listed as OPTI 8222.  Prerequisite: OPTI 6221 or graduate standing in ECE, CS, or IT. Optical signal coding, multiplexing and de-multiplexing. Time-domain medium access (TDM (SONET) and TDMA), wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM and WDMA). Optical networks, add-drop multiplexing (OADM), switching and routing technologies, Dispersion management. Optical clock and timing recovery. Optical amplification, wavelength conversion, transport, and networking protocols.  Broadband ISDN concepts. Access, metro, and long-haul network topologies. Three lecture hours per week. (Fall)

OPTI 6241. Optical System Function and Design. (3)  Cross-listed as OPTI 8241.  Prerequisite: OPTI 6102.  Advanced study of telescopes, microscopes, cameras, off-axis imaging systems, stops, apertures, multiple lenses, use and selection of ray trace computer codes. Three lecture hours per week. (Spring)

OPTI 6242. Optical Propagation in Inhomogeneous Media. (3)  Cross-listed as OPTI 8242.  Prerequisites: OPTI 6102 and OPTI 6104.  Advanced study of free space propagation, scattering, and scintillation of Gaussian and uniform beam waves. Random processes, weak fluctuation theory, propagation through complex paraxial optical systems (Spring, Odd years)

OPTI 6244. High Speed Photonics and Optical Instrumentation. (3)  Cross-listed as OPTI 8244.  Prerequisites: OPTI 6103 and OPTI 6104.  Study of instrumentation used for generation, detection, and manipulation of light in optical circuits.  Topics include:  ultrashort pulse generation, photon-phonon interactions, 2^nd & 3^rd harmonic generation, squeezed light, optical tweezers, OPO, electro-optic modulators, selective polarizers, optical switches, amplifiers, multiplexing and mixing schemes, and application of CCD and CMOS cameras and detectors.  Three lecture hours per week. (Spring, Odd years)

OPTI 6261. Modern Coherence Theory. (3)  Cross-listed as OPTI 8261.  Prerequisites: OPTI 6102 and OPTI 6104.  Stochastic processes.  Second order coherence of scalar and vector wavefields, radiation and states of coherence. Quantum wavefields. (Fall, Odd years)

OPTI 6271. Advanced Physical Optics. (3)  Cross-listed as OPTI 8271.  Prerequisites: OPTI 6101, OPTI 6102, and OPTI 6104.  Advanced study of electromagnetic wave propagation, stratified media, physics of geometrical optics, polarization and crystal optics, absorption and dispersion, interference, propagation and diffraction.  Three lecture hours per week. (Spring, Odd years)

OPTI 6281. Modern Optics Laboratory. (3)  Cross-listed as OPTI 8281.  Prerequisite: OPTI 6102. Selected experiments in areas of modern optics such as fiber optics, interferometry, spectroscopy, polarization, optical metrology, and holography. Six laboratory hours per week. (Spring)

OPTI 6301. Introduction to Instrumentation and Processing at the Nanoscale. (3)  Cross-listed as OPTI 8301 and NANO 8101 Introduction to Instrumentation and Processing at the Nanoscale. Methods of manipulating, engineering, and characterizing nanoscale materials are introduced; applications and principles of their operation are discussed.  Students acquire hands-on experience with selected laboratory methods in preparation for dissertation research.  Topics include, but are not limited to, scanning probe and electron microscopy methods, cleanroom technology, nanoscale optical and e-beam lithography, nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectrometry, luminescence methods, interferometry, gel permeation chromatography, surface area analysis, and small-angle x-ray and neutron scattering. (Fall)

OPTI 6302. Nanoscale Phenomena. (3)  Cross-listed as OPTI 8302 and NANO 8102 Nanoscale Phenomena.  Scaling phenomena. Nano-optics (near-field optics, limits of lithography masks, nano-dots and nanoscale optical interactions). Nanoscale mechanics. Nanotribology. Biological and biologically-inspired machines. (Fall)

OPTI 6303. Collaborative Research Proposal. (3)  Cross-listed as OPTI 8303 and NANO 8203 Collaborative Research Proposal. Effective strategies for designing and writing research proposals are presented by program faculty members, and staff from proposal development offices on campus.  Students work in teams of 2-3 to prepare an original, interdisciplinary research proposal on a topic in nanoscale science.  The proposal conforms to regulations of a selected funding agency and must address a topic that is supported by that agency.  Each team consults regularly with a panel of 2-3 faculty members who collectively approve the proposal topic, provide feedback during the development of the proposal, and ultimately evaluate the proposal.  The course is designed to increase the ability of students to relate research ideas to fundamental concepts in science and engineering, to help students learn to develop effective methods of presenting ideas and defending them, to help students develop self confidence in their abilities to present and defend ideas, and to improve oral and written communication skills.  (Spring)

OPTI 6341. Applied Quantum Mechanics. (3) Cross-listed as OPTI 8341 and PHYS 6141 Quantum Theory I. Principles of non-relativistic wave mechanics. The Schrodinger equation, linear harmonic oscillator and WKB approximation. Central forces and angular momentum. The hydrogen atom. Applications of quantum mechanics in materials and optics.(Fall)

OPTI 6371. Solid State Materials (3)  Cross-listed as OPTI 8371 and PHYS 6271 Advanced Solid State Physics. Crystal structure. Electromagnetic, electron, mechanical, and elastic wave interactions with crystals. Theory of X-ray diffraction. Energy band theory of metals and semiconductors. Optical properties of solids, phase transitions, and amorphous solids. Quantum mechanics of covalent bonding, phonon excitation, and thermal energy. (Spring)

OPTI 6381. Engineering Metrology. (3)   Cross-listed as OPTI 8381 and MEGR 6181/8181 Engineering Metrology. Introduction to metrology and standards. Uncertainty, precision and accuracy in metrology.  Measurement of size and form, computational methods in measurement of form. Measurement of surface texture and out of roundness. Machine tool and robot accuracy and calibration. Evaluation of screw threads and gears. Introduction to design of precision instruments. (Fall)

OPTI 6384. Advanced Surface Metrology. (3)  Cross-listed as OPTI 8384 and MEGR 7284/8284 Advanced Surface Metrology. Prerequisite: OPTI  6/8381 or permission of instructor.  Constituents of surface texture, stylus, optical, atomic force microscope and other advanced methods of measuring surface texture.  Two and three dimensional measurement of surfaces. Separation of form, waviness and roughness.  Random process analysis techniques, use of transforms for filtering.  Numerical evaluation of surface texture.  Use of surface texture as fingerprint of the process.  Relationship between function and surface texture. (Spring, Alternate years)

OPTI 6400. Industrial Internship. (1-3) Cross-listed as OPTI 8400. Prerequisite: Completion of nine hours of graduate coursework and permission of program director. Full- or part-time academic year internship in optical science/optical engineering complementary to the major course of studies and designed to allow theoretical and course-based practical learning to be applied in a supervised industrial experience. Requires a mid-term report and final report to be graded by the supervising faculty. May be repeated for credit. (On demand)

 

OPTI 6110 6610. Seminar. (1) Cross-listed as OPTI 8610. Prerequisite: Admission to Optics M.S. program. Topics include: discussion and analysis of topics of current interest in optics; effective techniques for making presentations and uUtilizing library resources, materials, and research tools. Using presentation software and developing presentation skills for effective technical presentations. Patents and technology transfer. Eethical issues in science and engineering. Current topics in optics.  May be repeated for credit up to 4 credits.  One semester of seminar is required of all students in the Optics M.S. program during each of their first two semesters of residence.  After the first two semesters, students are required to attend a minimum number of designated lectures.  One to two hours per week. (Fall, Spring)

OPTI 6611. Graduate Colloquium. (1) Cross-listed as OPTI 8611. Students present seminars on current topics in optical science and engineering.  May be repeated for credit. (Fall, Spring)

OPTI 6800691. Independent Study. Research Seminar. (1-3)  Cross-listed as OPTI 8800691.  Prerequisite: Permission of the Optics Program Director. A seminar in which Iindependent study may be pursued by the student, or a group of students, under the direction of a professor. May be repeated for credit up to 6 credits. (Fall, Spring, Summer)

OPTI 6991. Thesis Research. (1-3) Prerequisite: Admission to candidacy. Research for the thesis. May be repeated for credit up to 18 credits. Graded on a Pass/Unsatisfactory basis. (Fall, Spring, Summer)

Ph.D. Degree

 

OPTI 8000. Selected Topics in Optics. (3) See OPTI 6000 for course description. 

OPTI 8101. Mathematical Methods of Optical Science and Engineering. (3) See OPTI 6101 for course description.

OPTI 8102. Principles of Geometrical and Physical Optics. (3) See OPTI 6102 for course description.

OPTI 8102L. Geometrical Optics Lab. (1)  See OPTI 6102L for course description.

OPTI 8103. Light Sources and Detectors. (3) See OPTI 6103 for course description.

OPTI 8104. Electromagnetic Waves. (3) See OPTI 6104 for course description.

OPTI 8105. Optical Properties of Materials. (3) See OPTI 6105 for course description.

OPTI 8106. Principles of Physical Optics. (3)  See OPTI 6106 for course description.

OPTI 8106L Physical Optics Lab (2)  See OPTI 6106L for course description.

OPTI 8110. Seminar. (1) See OPTI 6110 for course description. 

OPTI 8201. Fourier Optics and Holography. (3) See OPTI 6201 for course description. 

OPTI 8202. Fundamentals of Biomedical Optics. (3) See OPTI 6202 for course description.

OPTI 8203. Metamaterials. (3)  See OPTI 6203 for course description. 

OPTI 8205. Advanced Optical Materials. (3) See OPTI 6205 for course description.

OPTI 8206. Physical Optics Design and Simulation. (3)  See 6206 for course description.

OPTI 8211. Introduction to Modern Optics. (3) See OPTI 6211 for course description. 

OPTI 8212. Integrated Photonics. (3) See OPTI 6212 for course description.

OPTI 8221. Optical Communications. (3) See OPTI 6221 for course description.

OPTI 8222. Optical Communication Networks. (3) See OPTI 6222 for course description.

OPTI 8241. Optical System Function and Design. (3) See OPTI 6241 for course description. 

OPTI 8242. Optical Propagation in Inhomogeneous Media. (3) See OPTI 6242 for course description. 

OPTI 8244. High Speed Photonics and Optical Instrumentation. (3) See OPTI 6244 for course description. 

OPTI 8261. Modern Coherence Theory. (3) See OPTI 6261 for course description.

OPTI 8271. Advanced Physical Optics (3) See OPTI 6271 for course description. 

OPTI 8281. Modern Optics Laboratory. (3) See OPTI 6281 for course description.

OPTI 8301. Introduction to Instrumentation and Processing at the Nanoscale. (3)  See OPTI 6301 for course description.

OPTI 8302. Nanoscale Phenomena. (3)  See OPTI 6302 for course description.

OPTI 8303. Collaborative Research Proposal. (3)  See OPTI 6303 for course description.

OPTI 8341. Applied Quantum Mechanics. (3)  See OPTI 6341 for course description.

OPTI 8371. Solid State Materials (3)  See OPTI 6371 for course description.

OPTI 8381. Engineering Metrology. (3)  See OPTI 6381 for course description.

OPTI 8384. Advanced Surface Metrology. (3)  See OPTI 6384 for course description.

 

OPTI 8400. Industrial Internship. (1-3)  See OPTI 6400 for course description.

 

OPTI 6110 8610. Seminar. (1)  See OPTI 6610 for course description.

OPTI 8611. Graduate Colloquium. (1)  See OPTI 6611 for course description.

OPTI 8800691. Independent Study. Research Seminar. (1-3) See OPTI 6800691 for course description. 

OPTI 8991. Dissertation Research. (1-3) Prerequisite: Admission to candidacy. Research for the dissertation. May be repeated for credit up to 45 credits.  Graded on a Pass/Unsatisfactory basis. (Fall, Spring, Summer)