The Optics Launchpad
Unlock the skills that power America’s most advanced industries.
Your free, expert-led gateway to a career in precision optics manufacturing.
From aerospace and semiconductors to life-saving medical tech – it all starts with light.
American Center for Optics Manufacturing (AmeriCOM) provides free, expert-led training designed to take you from the basics to the cutting edge.
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College Partner Network
Hands-on workshops, short courses, and degree programs across the United States- built to help you master optics manufacturing in the real world.
Getting Started.
Introductory Courses for the Aspiring Technician.
OPTICS 101: How Light Works
Everything you need to know. Nothing you don’t.
You’ll explore wave–particle duality; core wave ideas like wavelength, frequency, phase, and interference; bending and bouncing of light via refraction and reflection; and polarization and diffraction. You’ll apply these concepts to real optics- lenses and imaging- then dive into laser fundamentals, detectors and measurements, and essential laser safety.
Fundamentals of Light and Lasers
This course introduces the fundamental properties of light.
Explore how optical hardware is used in lecture demonstrations and laboratory experiments to show how light can be controlled. Essential components of optical systems are studied, including lenses, mirrors, prisms, windows, sources, detectors, optoelectronics, polarizers, fibers, and gratings. Students will gain practical experience with industrial hardware and tools as they construct basic optical component test setups and systems in the laboratory.
The fundAmentals of grinding
Learn the basic grinding techniques in precision optics.
Discover how advanced grinding techniques shape the future of precision optics! In this course, you’ll explore the science behind lapping and Deterministic Microgrinding (DMG), learn why controlling subsurface damage (SSD) is critical to optical performance, and see how modern finishing methods deliver smoother surfaces and stronger, more reliable components. Whether you’re preparing for a career in optics or looking to deepen your technical expertise, this course will give you the knowledge and skills to understand and master the processes at the heart of high-precision manufacturing.