From ray optics to modal analysis: using photonics web simulations to build intuition and address common misconceptions.

The emerging field of silicon photonics has created a large need for Ph.D. photonic integrated circuit design engineers. Developing intuition for electromagnetic waves at the micron scale is a major challenge facing undergraduate and graduate students in photonics. Students often misapply lessons learned from macroscale ray optics to submicron waveguide modes in dielectric structures. In this work, key student misconceptions were identified and addressed in a research study using photonics training simulations. A learning module with interactive 3D vector field visualizations was deployed in a massive open online course to train the next generation of photonics design engineers.

Adaptable middle-skilled labor: a neglected roadblock to photonics industry growth.

A roadblock to long-term growth of the photonics industry is the availability of well-trained, adaptable middle-skilled workers. This research characterizes the middle-skilled workforce gap, including the quantity required and skills needed. We estimate that 42,000 new technical middle-skilled workers are needed by 2030, requiring another 100 technician programs nationwide. Training skills along the supply chain are critical; programs must emphasize testing, troubleshooting, and process design. Middle-skilled workers trained in critical thinking will enable an adaptable workforce capable of handling technology evolution. Finally, recommendations for the academia, industry, and middle-skilled training ecosystem are included to ensure that the latter evolves with technology development.

Virtual reality enabled asynchronous learning modules for fiber optic preform manufacturing education.

The demand for skilled workers and novel manufacturing training solutions has increased with the growing demand for fiber optic cables. Web-based simulations can be used for training, and this paper presents an approach for developing a fiber preform manufacturing browser-based VR simulation. Subsequently, a study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the simulation based on learning gains and learner perception of ease of use, usefulness, intention of use, learning outcomes, and workload. A mixed-methods between-subjects study with 63 participants found that the combination of lecture and simulation was significantly better for perceived usefulness and learning outcomes compared to lecture-only or lecture-and-video conditions.

Hands-On Photonic Education Kits: empowering the integrated photonics workforce through practical training.

The Hands-On Photonic Education (HOPE) Kits, developed with AIM Photonics, address the need for skilled workers in integrated photonics. This paper highlights the role of the HOPE Kits in advancing the training ecosystem and bridging the skills gap. The kits include fully packaged photonic integrated circuits (PICs), enabling instructors to educate and train students on PIC testing and characterization. Covering a wide range of devices and circuits, from waveguides to wavelength division multiplexing for data communication, the kits offer a hands-on experience. Engaging with actual PICs, students gain practical insights, enhancing their understanding of key principles, and preparing them for real-world skill sets in integrated photonics.

Ringer’s Lactate vs Normal Saline for Children with Acute Diarrhea and Severe Dehydration: A Double Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: WHO recommends Ringer’s lactate (RL) and Normal Saline (NS) for rapid intravenous rehydration in childhood diarrhea and severe dehydration. We compared these two fluids for improvement in pH over baseline during rapid intravenous rehydration in children with acute diarrhea. Design: Double-blind randomized controlled trial Setting: Pediatric emergency facilities at a tertiary-care referral hospital. Intervention: Children with acute diarrhea and severe dehydration received either RL (RL-group) or NS (NS-group), 100 mL/kg over three or six hours. Children were reassessed after three or six hours. Rapid rehydration was repeated if severe dehydration persisted. Blood gas was done at baseline and repeated after signs of severe dehydration disappeared. Outcome Measures: Primary outcome was change in pH from baseline. Secondary outcomes included changes in serum R E S E A R C H P A P E R INDIAN PEDIATRICS 963 VOLUME 49__DECEMBER 16, 2012 electrolytes, bicarbonate levels, and base-deficit from baseline; mortality, duration of hospital stay, and fluids requirement. Results: Twenty two children, 11 each were randomized to the two study groups. At primary end point (disappearance of signs of severe dehydration), the improvement in pH from baseline was not significant in RL-group [from 7.17 (0.11) to 7.28 (0.09)] as compared to NS-group [7.09 (0.11) to 7.21 (0.09)], P=0.17 (after adjusting for baseline serum Na/ Cl). Among this limited sample size, children in RL group required less fluids [median 310 vs 530 mL/kg, P=0.01] and had shorter median hospital stay [38 vs 51 hours, P=0.03]. Conclusions: There was no difference in improvement in pH over baseline between RL and NS among children with acute diarrhea and severe dehydration.