Remote-controlled photonics laboratories for distance learning

At Queensborough Community College, with the support of the National Science Foundation (Advanced Technological Education grant award #DUE - 9752061), we have addressed the issues of distance learning and laboratories and are adapting courses for our Laser and Fiber-Optics Technology Program for distance learning. The "problem" of the laboratory is solved by remote-controlled laboratory equipment. We have completed the work on course materials in physical optics, lasers and fiber optics. Course materials include interactive multimedia textbooks and laboratory manuals along with the remote-controlled laboratory exercises. The remote-controlled exercises are "real" experiments with "real' data as opposed to simulations. The real nature of the exercises allows for the unexpected, which occurs in any laboratory situation. Remote-controlled laboratory exercises include interferometry, diffraction, polarization, acousto-optics, electro-optics, second harmonic generation, Q-switching, modelocking, thermal lensing, diode laser characteristics, laser principles, optical time domain reflectometry, coupling losses, wave division multiplexing and characteristics of fiber optic switches and couplers. As course materials were developed they were tested at a remote site, Suffolk County Community College.