This PDF file contains the front matter associated with SPIE Proceedings Volume 12297, including the Title Page, Copyright information, and Table of Contents.

Employing Simulation Led Optical Design Assessments in an upper division optics course provides students with a deeper understanding of optical design, interactions and devices, while reinforcing understanding of computational methods.

Information displays are a common application of optical devices, utilizing different types of materials and fabrication technologies. This work is a showcase of the various curricula that have been developed throughout academia and industry to best educate a future generation of display engineering students.

The booming optics manufacturing industry is suffering from a severe shortage of skilled technicians. The registered Optics Manufacturing Technician apprenticeship is a structured “earn and learn” solution that combines on-the-job learning with related technical instruction.

When the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic prevented an in-person problem-based learning (PBL) workshop in 2020, the authors developed and presented a series of virtual photonics workshops hosted by the Optical Society (OSA).

The Max Planck School of Photonics is an interdisciplinary graduate school in Germany providing an integrated MSc and PhD program for international students. Aspects of curriculum development and outreach measures will be presented and discussed.

41 students completed a multidisciplinary nanoscience/nanoengineering undergraduate education program at the University of Rochester, initially supported by NSF. It comprises a required Nanometrology Laboratory class, additional two classes and one semester research/design project on nanotechnology.

We provide a software package implementing the well-known beam propagation method to integrate the 1+1 and 1+2 dimensional nonlinear Schroedinger equation. It is useful to simulate optical beam propagation in the spatial and temporal domains.

We present three case studies focused on different types of feedback scenarios, each featuring a different technological tool. Results show greater student participation and engagement, and facilitation of teacher orchestration of active learning pedagogy.

To improve student learning experience in several photonics modules we teach at the University of Southampton, we use software packages for photonic circuit simulation and design, our cleanroom complex for the fabrication of the designed circuits, and experimental labs that we have developed for the characterization.

Remote tutorials were designed and performed to demonstrate color appearance phenomena to students. Results suggest that remote lab demonstrations can provide an alternative to in-person lab sessions with caveats and offer additional benefits.

We designed an at-home experiment on the inverse square law of light as an alternative to a standard in-campus experiment during the COVID-19 pandemic. The collaborative experiment uses smartphones with remote instructor’s support.

We describe the use of a neural network to investigate a very well-known problem of wave optics, i.e. the diffraction of an opaque semi-infinite screen. The inverse problem is also discussed.

We present an approach of developing XR teaching applications by implementing open spaces as a hub for the photonics community and developers interested in XR technologies and give a first evaluation of technologies and platforms.

We describe several entire courses of PowerPoint lectures freely available that are colorful, rigorous, and complete. We propose a grand plan for their extension to other fields, ultimately potentially providing a crowd-sourced free online education.

Using the context of Galileo Galilei´s pioneering observations of the Saturn’s rings, the students are driven to build an optical telescope in the laboratory and analyze and discuss the different solutions to improve its resolution.

We present a simple computerized tool for training on practicing common laser skin treatments. The device is proposed to enhance operator’s technical skills and increase his proficiency via detecting overlap percentage of the laser spots.

Common devices for digital imaging can be used as reliable instruments to design and perform light polarization experiments. In particular, a simple modification of the front polarizer of a LCD monitor provides an exciting opportunity for students to get hands-on experience into stereoscopy and 3D perception, polarization and complementary colors.

Demonstration tools were prepared for color changes in polarized visible light beams transmitting in commercially-purchased syrup as optical active material. Predictions of such color changes were successfully realized and satisfactory color matching became possible.

We present a different approach to the teaching of optics in primary and secondary school which focuses on the development of hands-on experiments, enabling young students to have a closer look to optics and photonics.

I describe a simple spectroscopic method for measuring birefringence in household films such as adhesive tape and kitchen film. Using an incandescent light source provides students direct appreciation for the wavelength-dependent nature of the phenomenon.

We propose using “iLabs,” which relies on the digitalization of an experiment and a virtual display with photographs, as a solution to overcome the lack of scalability of realistic online experimentation and facilitate educational conversations.

In the present work, we simulate the flying-spot laser delivery device utilized in a typical LASIK procedure via a simple, low cost, safe and representative optical prototype suitable for education and training purposes.

A historical review of the origins of holography is presented. Special emphasis is placed on the contributions of Gabor, Denisyuk and Leith to the development of holography, to motivate and inspire students and young researchers.

The holographic principle, discovered by Gabor, and realized by Leith & Upatnieks and Denisyuk is discussed. The intrinsic value of this idea and its continuing ability to motivate and inspire engineers and applied physicists is reviewed.

This paper describes the rationale for developing the online course, “Phot1x: Silicon Photonics Design, Fabrication and Data Analysis”, offered via edX UBCx, and shares some of our experiences in teaching this course. The course was developed in 2015, and has been offered several times annually to a global audience since then.

The implementation of physical and optical experiments in a VR environment will be presented. A comparison between the hands on and the digital VR experiments will be analyzed and presented.

Three advanced lab classes were taught both “in person” and remotely through Zoom with recording lab videos: (1) Sources and Detectors; (2) Nanometrology (AFM, optical microscopy, electron microscopy); and (3) Quantum and Nano-Optics (entangled/single-photon sources).

We developed a fully-remote biophotonics workshop integrating webinars, computer simulations and at-home experiments to meet the needs of undergraduate students with diverse backgrounds and learning styles. Similar strategies/resources could be used in multidisciplinary programs.

New technologies rapidly lead to many new possibilities for digital teaching concepts of labwork training programs, which might be on-site or remotely. Mixed Reality is a promising candidate to meet the learning goals.

The 3rd central IDL Event in Spain probably gathered the largest number of activities for the 16th May commemoration in 2021. Conferences, debates, workshops, exhibitions, light shows, and photo contests, adapted to severe constraints due to the pandemic, achieved the participation of a wide and diverse audience.

A worldwide shortage of optics and photonics technicians is stifling our industry’s growth. This paper describes how Monroe Community College has become a national model for educating a diverse workforce, by breaking down barriers to entry into the field.

In recent years, virtual reality headsets have become more accessible thanks to developments in technology. Educational applications for training in physics, and in particular in optics, can be found on the market today. We fully understand that these digital tools will never replace real world teaching, but they offer legitimate opportunities for learning by doing. In this presentation we will provide an overview of the opportunities offered by virtual reality in optics tuition at university and in continuing education.

A project-based teaching course for postgraduate students in the field of Photonics Engineering is based on the implementation of a Spectrophotometer. Hard and soft skills are evaluated in the implementation with an auto-evaluation criteria.

We present a modular open-source toolbox compiled into comprehensive educational kits. The hardware is supported by manuals and documentation that together provide an accessible tool and lower the entry barrier of studying optics and microscopy.

Optics concepts are fundamental to optometry. Currently, there is no published data on the status of conceptual optics among Indian optometrists. The results indicate the need for optics continuing education throughout their career.

Architectural lighting design education integrates educational practices from both design and science. These can be challenging to reconcile, particularly since intuition is valued in design and conceptual change is an important aspect of learning science.

In this paper, the authors present a self-developed app that features the Stonehenge algorithm for predicting lunar and solar eclipses. Furthermore, the app presents useful guidelines for astronomy photography and enhances optics and photonics training.

A simple and low cost curve tracer which can build by students in their houses is presented. It is based on a microcontroller development board, a PC computer program, and a few generic electronic components.

We present a modular, 3D printed assembly used with a laser pointer for very low-cost (<$10) study of interference and diffraction in introductory physics. The apparatus was designed for at-home laboratories during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A homemade interferometer based on a non-ideal beam splitter and an only one home mirror is presented. Its interference pattern presented dark and bright rings when the mirror was tilted.

We summarize a unique publication-driven Research Experience for Undergraduates program in optics/photonics that uses electronic circuit analogue-based research to strengthen students’ engagement in research. At present, we have published four journal and conference papers.

Ray Davies, Director of the Photonics Academy of Wales @ Bangor died in January 2021. He was 85 and still actively engaged in photonic education. This presentation aims to summarize his pioneering educational activities.

The ETOP meeting is the oldest international conference devoted solely to optics/photonics education. Looking back at the history of the conference can help gain insight into past successes and plan for challenges of the future.

Teaching laboratory courses, under pandemic restrictions, required new methodologies. In an introductory optics lab, a self-paced approach was implemented. Students completed experiments independently on flexible weekly schedule. Pros and cons of the method are presented.

Students from the subject "Optics Laboratory" at the University received visits from different agents from the contemporary art context, creating transdisciplinary relationships between Science and Art through Light, enriching all parties involved.

We designed a device that converts sound into light through an optoelectronic circuit including a blue LED connected to a single optical fiber in order to discuss fast and long distance communication in classroom.

We present an approach to filter amplitude noise from arbitrary beam profiles. This work forms a tutorial on Fourier optics by enhancing the textbook case of Gaussian beams to more interesting cases of structured light.

We will show that investigation of coherent beam combining provide good multidisciplinary education and training environment for graduate students. Knowledge including optics and photonics, electronics engineering, computer science, and so on, can be learned and mastered.

Physics has been strongly guided by optical science and engineering since ancient times. However, modern physics is ignoring the reality of parameters, permittivity and permeability of vacuum, which define light velocity, refractive index, dispersion, etc.

Typical examples of multidisciplinary knowledge in teaching electrodynamics for undergraduate major in optics and photonics is introduced, which could help to inspire the interest for active learning and related disciplinary, and stimulate the consciousness of innovation.

Integrated optical biosensors based on ring resonators play a crucial role for future point-of-care-diagnostics. On this subject, a multidisciplinary lesson is designed to provide students an understanding of waveguide sensitivity, device sensitivity and overall sensitivity.

Structured light is one of the research frontiers in optics and phonics. By introducing structured light into principle and technology of laser, the physics insight can be enhanced, and the simulation and experimental capability can be well trained.

We present a Python tool for the control of the laboratory instruments (thermal electric control, power meter, optical spectrum analyzer) used for the characterization of semiconductor laser sources in the framework of master degree courses available at Politecnico di Torino. This software can be used to control real benches, acquiring and elaborating the measurement data, but it can also work offline emulating the behavior of instruments and laser sources, thus allowing the students to work in a completely virtualized environment.

VR is an effective tool that can be used to augment skill-based learning by fully immersing the user in the virtual environment with a hands-on experience. However, there are certain aspects to consider when using VR for training.

Last years’ International Day of Light activities in Spain were affected by the measures to avoid outbreaks of COVID-19. The city of Santander celebrated the date in October with an impressive light painting event.

In this contribution we show how, in times of pandemic, outreach activities driven by social networks can be a successful alternative to face-to-face events. Designing each activity to properly suit the host platform ensures success.

We present examples of optics and astronomy related activities and demos presented to K-12 teachers. These are simple, inexpensive, and readily available, developed based on the standards of learning to reinforce concepts in the curriculum.

Created with support from an SPIE Outreach Grant, the “Exploring Optics” kit, curriculum, and teacher training was developed with the aim of increasing awareness of and interest in optics and photonics in Arkansas by targeting pre-high school students and science teachers.

Scouts BSA offers scouts, both boys and girls, the opportunity to earn merit badges. Teaching scouts the Engineering Merit Badge with an optics and photonics emphasis can expose many scouts to a potential optics/photonics career.

Here we present the design of a high-resolution, high-magnification microscope using LEGO® bricks and easily-available lenses. With the provided workflow and suggested experiments, we show that 9-to-13-year old students significantly increased their understanding of microscopy.

To overcome the negative impact of sanitary restriction in education systems due to the pandemic, we have designed and developed a series of virtual laboratories for remote training on biomedical nanophotonics dedicated to graduate students.

We will discuss the studios that we have built to livestream different learning activities for virtual classrooms. We will show how to optimize the experience for both students and instructors and bring back interactivity.

To engage students remotely, industry-relevant material and authentic problem solving activities have been integrated into the lighting curriculum to inspire career goal setting, while EdTech has been used to chunk lectures and scaffold student learning.

This paper discusses motivations and challenges behind the online transition of the Montreal Photonics Networking event. Design, organization strategies, and outcomes of this educational and community-focused activity are presented.

The biophotonics app enables multidisciplinary and self-paced learning in both in-person or virtual environments. The app can work offline and has a user-friendly interface well accepted by students. App instructions are publicly available.

We present a project offered to Master students in Electronics Engineering or Communication and Computer Network integrating electronics and photonics. Teams, with different background knowledge, design independently an optical link following specifications provided by teachers.

The model of digital image sensor is usually introduced without derivation, which makes it inconvenient to include this model in the courses of optics curriculum. In present research, the required mathematical derivation has been performed.

We describe opportunities for integrated testlets as assessments in optics and photonics courses. This new scaffolded multiple-choice approach adopts an answer-until-correct framework that can test complex understanding through either offline or online delivery.

Through our open software package and a guided process flow, barriers to entry are lowered so that a student can focus on photonic circuits design from the very beginning.

We present a video clip collection aimed at assisting first-year undergraduate students in learning the fundamentals of plasmonics. The work includes the design of an educational assessment of the collection's effectiveness in achieving such a goal.

Propagation using numerical approaches is a textbook standard, yet suffers from lack of physical insight. We outline a novel modal approach to propagation, demonstrating the ease and physical insight necessary for teaching and to facilitate understanding in photonics courses.

We present a simple way to calculate and visualize far-field radiation patterns due to polarizable particles at the surface of complex multilayer materials by means of the Lorentz reciprocity theorem and the python Jupyter notebook.

We propose the use of an interferometry virtual learning environment as a versatile, interactive and supportive tool for theoretical concepts deep-learning, to complement experimental sessions.

Research shows that dual-process theories of reasoning – the fast and slow processes that govern reasoning and decision-making in everyday life – can explain student responses to physics questions. Examples and instructional implications will be discussed.

To engage students with EM waves and quantum physics, connecting it to their everyday lives and to promote “photonics awareness,” a five-part, twelve-week group research project on a photonics-based Nobel prize was developed.

Educational laboratory facility on single and entangled photons located in three separate rooms of the Institute of Optics with total 587 sq. ft. was used for teaching several classes of diverse students during 15 years.

Optics is an essential backbone of quantum information science (QIS). Infusing QIS in the optics curriculum is much needed, but challenging. We report an approach transitioning from classical matrix optics to qubits and quantum gates.

We propose to educate quantum concepts through the analogous classical light context. An optics platform has the advantage of being stable, controllable, visualizable, as well as accessible to pre-college students.

Advances in quantum technologies have made canonical experiments, such as the Hanbury-Brown-Twiss interferometer, common in state-of-the-art optics labs. Here we demonstrate a path towards an open-source low-cost single-photon HBT-interferometer, targeted at the photonic maker-community.

Understanding of light emission is a keystone in mastering classical and quantum optics. We review and compare approaches used in these two fields for description of light emission to point out and clarify common misconceptions.

Emerging technologies develop at a different pace in the various regions around the world. This year, Quantum Latino was born to raise awareness and promote quantum technologies to build a connected quantum community in Latin America.

This seminar course covers pioneering physics research in optics, astronomy, and nuclear physics, with an emphasis on discoveries by women physicists, African- American physicists, and other groups who are underrepresented in physics.

A full course focused on ethics and professional practice has been developed to complement technical coursework and provide comprehensive training for engineers studying optics. Related frameworks for ethical enculturation are under study.

An optical surface profiler is used as a sophisticated, high-tech, “high”-cost instrument for learning experimental research skills in the context of a Masters in Research degree. Students are being prepared for higher degree research.

During a semester-long introductory optics course, each student is required to develop an experimental optics-related project from proposal to completion. We present outcomes on student learning from this multi-week, student-driven course component.

This first-year seminar course covers the history of modern physics using biomedical imaging as an overarching theme, focusing on both the scientists who made key discoveries and those unrecognized for their work.

The International Day of Light is an annual UNESCO observance to raise global awareness of the importance of light science for sustainable development. We review here our experiences since 2018 and discuss future plans.

In the presented study, we discussed the thematic review of 68 recent conference studies focused on elementary and secondary school levels to enlighten the future needs of Optics and Photonics Education.

Diamond: the Game has been played globally by <11,500 people during the pandemic. The game enables people to explore a broad variety of STEM careers, STEM subjects and life as a scientist.

The work tries to support middle school-age students in Ireland with the possibility of promoting technology careers in the future. The paper will explain the guide of suggested innovative digital storytelling and the detailed presentation which might help presenters and give them some techniques for engaging students and create an interactive environment.

The biophotonics box enables multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary and self-paced learning with at-home experiments using low-resource components. Experiments can increase the interest of students in STEM subjects by emphasizing the real-life applications in biology and medicine.

A virtual outreach program was developed specifically for the field of biophotonics. The program consisted of hands-on activities using kits sent to students in advance, real-time video lab tours and prerecorded video content.

A $2 table-top experiment was devised to introduce optical imaging principles to precollege students. Using off-the-shelf parts, this project-based learning activity was implemented in many summer camps and schools to teach math and engineering concepts.