Since its formation in 1987 as CREOL – The Center for Research and Education in Optics and Lasers, the College of Optics and Photonics has been guided by its mandate to be a center of excellence in optics and lasers, in both research and education, and to act as an intellectual, scientific and technical resource to the optics and photonics industry. This mission is congruent with one of the five major objectives of the University of Central Florida: to be the leading Partnership University in the nation in the twenty-first century.
Industrial corporations and businesses that are involved in the development or use of optics and photonics, or foresee the company’s involvement in future applications and processes using optics and photonics, are encouraged to become involved in our programs. This involvement will positively impact our progress and our expanding education and research programs, and will help formulate and crystallize our vision for developments and applications in optics and photonics in the future.
Progressions in optics and photonics will play an increasingly important role in many segments of our society, in our technological future, and in the economic strength of our nation. The principal vehicles through which industries and organizations can participate in our programs are through membership in our Industrial Affiliates program, and through sponsorship of specific research activities. All of our faculty members participate in the formulation and execution of a wide variety of proposals for external funding – SBIR, STTR, ATP, GOALI, and federal BAA – and actively seek corporate partners for these efforts.