The National Institute for Optics and Lasers (NIOL) stands as a cornerstone in the realm of Optics and Lasers, serving as a premier National Research and Training center. Established in March 2019 by the Council of Multimedia University of Kenya, NIOL's inception was made possible through an infrastructure grant from the Kenya Government to Multimedia University of Kenya via the National Research Fund (NRF). The overarching objective was to establish a pioneering National Institute dedicated to research and training in Optics and Lasers.
Optics, a branch of physics delving into the generation, propagation, and detection of light alongside its interaction with matter, forms the nucleus of NIOL's pursuits. This discipline has birthed transformative innovations such as the Laser, a pivotal device emitting light amplified through stimulated emission. Given Optics' indispensable role in Laser development, the fusion of both fields is encapsulated in NIOL's title, symbolizing their intrinsic synergy.
The advent of the Laser in the 1960s catalyzed a cascade of technological breakthroughs, harnessing Laser technology as a beacon of monochromatic and coherent light. These advancements have permeated diverse domains including holography, interferometry, metrology, data storage and security, fiber optic communication, material processing and manufacturing, as well as military and medical applications.
NIOL's mission extends beyond mere academic purview; it aspires to cultivate expertise in Optics and Lasers across certificate, diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate levels while spearheading cutting-edge research endeavors. This vision is underpinned by the establishment and delivery of market-oriented programs tailored to each educational tier.
Multimedia University of Kenya emerges as a trailblazer in the region, standing as the sole institution offering undergraduate training in Optics and Lasers. This distinction underscores the university's commitment to fostering excellence in training and research within this critical discipline. NIOL represents an evolutionary leap forward, poised to elevate both MMU and Kenya as regional epicenters for Optics and Lasers training and research.
Moreover, NIOL endeavors to bridge the gap in competent manpower, essential for the harnessing and maintenance of Laser-based technologies. By nurturing a cohort of adept individuals equipped to navigate the intricacies of Laser applications, NIOL aims to unlock untapped potentials within Kenya and the broader region.
Beyond academia, NIOL's outreach extends to neighboring institutions including tertiary establishments, the Kenya Defense Forces, Kenya Police, Kenya Wildlife Service, and various research institutions. Through exhibitions and demonstrations, NIOL endeavors to demystify Laser technology, showcasing its myriad applications ranging from distance measurements to 3-D imaging. This outreach extends to the jua kali sector, exposing them to Laser applications such as welding, engraving, cutting, and drilling.
In its pursuit of excellence, NIOL will foster collaborations with local and international entities, engaging in consultancies to integrate Laser technologies into diverse operational frameworks. These partnerships stand as testament to NIOL's commitment to innovation and its resolve to drive transformative change in Optics and Lasers.
Laser cutting is the process of using an industrial Laser to cut hardened objects or materials used in machine parts. This takes away the need to manually do the process, which can cost so much time and effort to accomplish, leading to delays. Because of this technology, the cutting process is faster and easier, such that one can cut any material in any shape and size with ease.
Laser Technology is one of the most important new technologies of the twenty-first century. It involves the practical application of light, optics, and electronics and has found many applications in the world today. Examples of such applications include: Laser-based manufacturing, fiber optics, optical data storage in CD/DVDs, holograms, bar-code scanners, LCD TVs, satellite imagery, environmental sensing, infrared imaging, nanotechnology, Laser surgery, photodynamic cancer therapy, security and in basic research among others. In the same way that electronics changed our lives in the 20th century, Laser Technology has revolutionized industries, medical sector, remote sensing, telecommunication, security and defense technologies just to name a few examples. Industries, academic and research institutions can offer excellent opportunities for research and development of future Laser devices and technologies.
For Kenya to realize the Vision 2030, it is imperative to embrace Laser Technology and train adequate skilled manpower to integrate the application of Lasers into the diverse applications. This will provide the country and the region with high-level manpower in planning, management and research. As such, the programme serves as a catalyst towards realizing vision 2030 and hence propelling Kenya into an industrialized Nation
Multimedia University of Kenya (MMU) is the first institution of higher learning in the country and in the region to offer training opportunity at the masters’ level in Laser Technology. The development of this master’s program is a direct consequence of the ever increasing need for highly qualified scientists in the field of Laser systems and optical devices. Graduates of this program will have excellent opportunities in both industry and research institutions.
Opportunities
Graduates of this programme will find employment opportunities nationally, regionally and internationally in areas involved in the design and development of novel Lasers, integration of Lasers into products and systems, research and in development of next-generation Laser-based applications and in academia as resource persons. They shall work in companies that use Lasers and Laser-based systems in their manufacturing processes and other precision applications. Such industries include fiber optics and telecommunications, manufacturing, medical and material processing among others
To be eligible for admission to the Master of Science in Laser Technology, a candidate shall be:
Admission shall be confirmed by a letter from the Director, School of Postgraduate studies.
Duration
Structure
In the second year of study, each student will be required to write a research proposal which will be defended orally in a seminar organized by the institute. The student will embark on research, which will culminate in a thesis.
