MASTER OF SCIENCE IN APPLIED OPTICS

The information is stored on optical discs in various ways, (a) A conventional CD which has a series of replicated embossed pits; (b) a “write-once” system creates the digital pattern by burning holes with a Laser (c) in a rewritable CD a Laser is used to write regions of amorphous material in a polycrystalline layer; and (d) a mini-disk is based on magneto-optical recording.

Optical Fibers are used in optical communication and offer large bandwidth in comparison to conventional means used in telecommunication. Information is transmitted through the optical fiber by means of light. Consequently, the speed of transmission is extremely high approaching that of light.

Applied Optics is one of the fast growing fields of research in the twenty-first century. The Laser is particularly the most prominent example which extensively employs Applied Optics in its design and development. Lasers generate beams which can be transmitted, manipulated, detected and used at both classical and quantum level. Notable applications include; information transmission in fiber optics, optical data storage in CD/DVDs, holograms, bar-code scanners, environmental sensing, infrared imaging, nanotechnology, photodynamic cancer therapy, security and basic research. Researchers in this field even manipulate the propagation of light in unique ways by artificial Nano- or micro-structured materials.

Applied Optics is considered one of the key enabling technologies which are increasingly driving innovation today and expected to do so in the future. For Kenya to realize the Vision 2030, as well as the governments Big Four (4) agenda, there is need to embrace this technology by training adequate skilled manpower to handle the multi-dimensional applications of Applied Optics. The growth in the field of Applied Optics has led to the establishment of start-up companies involved in innovation of specialized systems in response to demands from diverse sectors.

This Master’s program is dedicated to address key areas that include fiber optics communication and data storage. These areas have impacted numerous sectors of our society including telecommunication and data security. Multimedia University of Kenya, MMU, is the first institution of higher learning in Kenya and in the region to establish a Master of Science degree in Applied Optics.

Graduates in Applied optics will find excellent opportunities in both industry and research institutions. Also, they can find exciting job opportunities in companies that design and manufacture optical devices and components, optical systems and instrumentation. A holder of an MSc in Applied Optics will have the requisite academic credentials for undertaking PhD studies in Optics and Lasers or in a related field.

Opportunities

Graduates in Applied optics will find excellent opportunities in both industry and research institutions. Also, they can find exciting job opportunities in companies that design and manufacture optical devices and components, optical systems and instrumentation. A holder of an MSc in Applied Optics will have the requisite academic credentials for undertaking PhD studies in Optics and Lasers or in a related field.