The mission of the laser laboratory is to prepare U.S. engineers and scientists to meet future technological and competitive challenges in the field of lasers and their applications through dedicated research, course offerings, and hands-on laboratory classes. The research focuses on the manufacturing operations including machining, micromachining, welding, heat treatment, surface modification, rapid prototyping, CAD/CAM, and laser robotics.
Based on the explosion of new knowledge gained about lasers, a course entitled "Laser Applications in Manufacturing" is offered at the graduate level. The topics include the concepts and principles of lasers, construction of lasers, laser applications in science and engineering, laboratory exercises, and team projects. The course serves as a national model and adds a new dimension to the graduate program because of its value in providing more opportunities for students to solve problems creatively with a new, advanced tool – namely lasers. Because we are moving from the computer age to the light age, laser knowledge will become necessary for future engineers, scientists, and technicians.