INTRODUCTION

 The Department of Physics at Washington State University (W.S.U.) offers an educational/training paradigm that prepares students for high-technology careers in the area of optoelectronics. In particular, we are introducing a new M.S. degree specialization that draws on the strengths of these two units. The M.S. is designed to fill the need for educating and training students for an industry that requires more preparation than a traditional bachelors degree, yet does not require the theoretical rigor of a Ph.D. The new M.S. specialization provides an accelerated curriculum training a generation of scientists and engineers who are willing to play a significant role in the optoelectronics revolution.

High-tech industries, particularly small and medium sized companies, have realized that the new global environment demands that scientists/engineers easily adapt to rapid technological changes by drawing on a solid problem-solving-oriented educational background. The main objective of our M.S. specialization in optoelectronics is to integrate cutting edge research and technology in the education of young scientists by exposing them to real hands-on problems.

The overall philosophy of the new M.S. specialization is to educate and train students through a series of laboratory-based research experiences in which the student will be required to participate actively as a member of a team.

The planned curriculum combines courses in basic science and technology including Electromagnetism, Quantum Mechanics, Quantum Electronics and Nonlinear Optics (which are taught in the Physics Department), Optical Signal Processing, and Optoelectronics (which are taught in the Department of Electrical Engineering). In addition to these traditional courses, students take a two-semester hands-on laboratory course that includes peer instruction and team work. The laboratory course is designed to give students a solid introduction to optics and experimental techniques in the first semester followed by challenging laboratory projects in the second semester. Examples of experimental modules, which we are implementing are the following:

Non linear interations such as second harmonic crystals.

Amplification, modulation and detection using optoelectronic devices.

Photorefractive image processing.

Surface scattering and characterization, laser induced optical damage.

New: Optical Fiber Sensors.

Making and Characterizing Polymer Optical Fiber.

Electro-optical Modulation with Polymer waveguides and fibers.

Additional modules, based on existing equipment and laboratory facilities of participating members of the Optoelectronics M.S. program, are also used. This is critical in the integration of research into the education of the M.S. students. In this environment they are exposed to cutting-edge concepts and have access to state of the art research facilities.

An active participation from local industries helps focus the Program in directions that gives students marketable skills demanded by their future employers. Because the teaching laboratory modules are intimately connected with existing research laboratories at WSU, the integrated educational/research experience helps the students better bridge the gap between concepts and applications.

Finally, it should be pointed out that one of the longstanding traditions of Washington State University as a land grant institution is that of outreach. Some of the courses in the M.S. program can be broadcast to companies in the rapidly growing technologically driven areas of the Northwest using existing distance learning facilities at Washington State University. In addition, some of the laboratory modules are designed with compactness and portability in mind so that they can be demonstrated to K-12 students.