Ask The Optical Engineering Experts®

What is an optics question that keeps you up at night? From quantum mechanics to the nitty-gritty of how to collimate for the automotive sector, the field of optics is full of fascinating challenges that span from complex theories to real-world uses.

Drop your most intriguing optics question here.

Whether you’re wondering about:
• Advanced imaging systems
• Lens design dilemmas
• Measurement techniques
• Or that weird optical phenomenon you can’t explain

We want to hear it all!

We’ll handpick the most compelling questions and deliver expert insights that help build a more open dialogue around optics and contribute to the growing body of knowledge in our field.

So… what’s been bugging you about optics lately?

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Thank you for submitting your questions! Continue reading to discover previously answered Q&As.

Question:

Does a workforce question count? There are so many STEM related questions that can be pondered, but what about the graduating student choosing a career pathway, or person looking to upskill their career? What skills or training do you look for when hiring in the field of optics? Are there growth opportunities in optics?

Answer:

The optics industry is experiencing significant growth potential at the moment fueled by advancements in AR/VR technologies, autonomous vehicles, medical devices, semiconductor fabrication, and defense systems. To your question about where you should start, here is what I recommend:

Start with what you’re passionate about

Optics and STEM are vast fields. So, begin diving into aspects that truly mean something to you. This may include lens design, fiber optics, laser systems, or metrology. Since optics requires lifelong learning because there are always new applications and theories coming up, having a deep passion for what you’re doing will help you overcome challenges. Which in this field, are inevitable.

Foundational skills trump software skills

When hiring for optics positions, we usually look at the foundational skills of the person. That is because those skills are highly transferrable in between new software systems and projects. Ray tracing software such as Zemax, Code V and FRED and tolerancing software like Code V and ASAP may come and go. But the underlying principles are the ones that stay. So, you should work on understanding geometric and physical optics and mathematical principles like calculus and differential equations.

Focus on core competencies

As an optical designer, for example, you’d need to master a few key areas like raytracing, tolerancing, metrology, and mechanical integration environments. The ability to understand the limits of each process and how they interlink is as important as understanding how to utilize them.

Each of these paths presents different opportunities, particularly as different fields begin to converge (optics + AI, optics + quantum computing, etc.).

Finally, having a growth mindset

Never stop learning because the sector never stops growing. Read books, sign up to relevant newsletters, follow certain engineers or institutions on LinkedIn, participate in webinars. Your educational options are endless nowadays. So, stay sharp.

With that, I wish you and everyone looking to have their breakthrough in optics good luck on your path! The world needs great optical engineers. 

Answered by: Lars Sandström, Director Business Strategy at Optikos Corporation