The Applied Optics Laboratory (APOL) is a component of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at the Missouri University of Science and Technology.  Its focus is the engineering application of fiber optic, photonic, laser, and sensing technologies and the development of associated educational tools.  The laboratory conducts interdisciplinary research and supports educational projects and learning resources. It is located in EECH G12 and was founded in 1991.

Current research relates to UAV imaging, multi-level logic electronics, sensing systems, and structural health monitoring. See APOL Research Watkins for research examples.

Recommended introductory courses for those interested in optics and sensing include:

• EE 5200 / Phy 4503 Classical Optics
• EE 5220 / Phy 5513 Fiber and Integrated Optics
• EE 5270 / ME 5229 Sensing Systems

The Smart Engineering Project which resulted in the Smart Composite Bridge was an activity of the APOL.  See Smart Engineering for details.  An introduction to the use of fiber optic sensors for bridges is available.

1. E. Watkins, “Smart Bridges using Fiber Optic Sensors,” IEEE Instrumentation and Measurement Magazine, 6(2), 25-30, (2003). Reprinted with update for IEEE-HKN The Bridge Magazine, 110(1), 30-38, (2014).

See Smartbridges for a copy.

For career resources related to optics, see the following sites.

IEEE Photonics Society https://www.photonics.com/Jobs.aspx

SPIE                             https://spie.org/career-center/advice--tools/optics-jobs

Optica                         https://www.optica.org/careers/

Photonics Spectra      https://www.photonics.com/Jobs.aspx