Also called: Laser Scientist, Ultrafast Optics Scientist
Invents and studies new kinds of lasers, from ultra-short pulses to powerful lasers for fusion or defense.
In a dark lab full of mirrors bolted to a floating table, you line up a laser that fires pulses lasting a quadrillionth of a second. You measure each pulse, adjust a crystal by a hair, and try to make the beam even shorter and stronger.
National labs, defense companies and laser makers hire most of them.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Doctorate (PhD), about 9 years after high school. PhD in physics, optics or electrical engineering.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Physics, Optics & Photonics.
Growing about average. Tracks physicists; steady research demand.
Low risk for 10 years. AI helps model and tune lasers; inventing new sources and running delicate lab experiments stay human research.
Classes: AP Physics C, AP Calculus, AP Chemistry, Computer science.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-2012.
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