This project is designed to expose ten undergraduate students, chosen from several Central Florida Institutions, to one year of research experience in the development and applications of lasers. Seven internationally recognized faculty in the Center for Research in Electro Optics and Lasers (CREOL) will act as Research Supervisors in this project. CREOL is a world leading center of excellence in optics, laser development and laser-related sciences. This program will be enhanced by: (1) an introductory course in the basic principals of optics and lasers, taught by three principal investigators; (2) the offering of a course on laser systems; (3) weekly research seminars organized specifically for the REU students; (4) weekly industrial visits and seminars, provided by the numerous optics and laser companies in the Orlando area; (5) attendance at the annual SPIE Orlando optics conference, including attendance at one of the many short courses; and (6) continuous monitoring of the students' progress by the principal investigators. Most of the activity will take place in the summer term, with the students continuing part-time in the fall and spring. The primary emphasis of this program is on encouraging more talented undergraduate students from the Central Florida region to pursue graduate studies in the field of optics and lasers.
