Photonics Minor

Photonics Minor

Photonics

Minor

The Photonics minor provides the core set of knowledge and skills necessary to participate in the rapidly growing opportunities in optical science and engineering.

Offered by the Department of Physics and Nuclear Engineering.

Are you curious about science and the technology of light - how it behaves, how it’s used, and how it powers some of the most advanced systems in the military and civilian world? The Photonics minor at the United States Military Academy at West Point covers lasers, fiber optics, infrared systems, sensors, and imaging, blending physics, engineering, and real-world applications.

What is Photonics?

Photonics is a broad discipline and encompasses lasers, imaging, fiber optics, night vision, and remote sensing among others. Cadets enrolled in the photonics minor will use cutting-edge research and study the production and harnessing of ultraviolet, visible, and infrared light. 

At West Point, cadets who minor in photonics study how to generate, control, and detect light in high-tech systems - from targeting lasers and night vision gear to communications and directed energy weapons. Whether working with lasers, building sensors, or designing the next generation of military technology, this minor sets cadets up for success in a world powered by light.

Why Choose the Photonics Minor at USMA?

  • Light-Based Tech Is Everywhere in the Army
    Photonics plays a key role in weapons systems, sensors, surveillance, and secure communications. Cadets learn how this tech works and how to lead soldiers who use it.
  • Gain an Edge in Science and Engineering
    Cadets dive deep into how lasers, optics, and light waves operate, which is useful whether majoring in physics, electrical engineering, cyber, or systems engineering.
  • Hands-On Learning
    Cadets in this minor don't just study theory - they work in advanced optics labs, experiment with real laser systems, and use modeling software to design and test photonics tech.
  • Fast-Growing Field
    Photonics is essential in defense, space systems, medicine, manufacturing, and more. This minor prepares graduates for a future filled with opportunity - both in and out of uniform.
  • Connects to the Army’s Future Tech
    From laser-guided weapons to optical sensors in drones and vehicles, photonics is at the heart of next-generation military technology.

What To Do With This Minor?

Photonics is one of the fastest-growing fields in science and tech. With this minor, graduates stand out in roles related to:

  • Cyber or Space Operations
  • Air Defense or Intelligence
  • Electronic Warfare
  • Aviation & Missile Defense
  • Graduate Study in Optics or Electrical Engineering

Whether a cadet is planning to be on the battlefield, in a lab, or in the skies, understanding photonics gives them a high-tech advantage.

Interested Cadets

Have you ever wondered how lasers work? How fiber optics carry information at the speed of light? Or how the Army uses infrared and night vision to see in the dark? If you're into physics, technology, and cutting-edge systems that use light, the Photonics minor at West Point might be the perfect fit.

Photonics is the science of light - how we generate it, control it, and use it in everything from communication systems to advanced weapons. It's at the heart of modern military tech and the future of battlefield innovation.

Why Consider this Major

For curious, tech-minded cadets who like science and wants to work with cutting-edge technology, photonics is a smart and exciting choice. Here's why:

  • Next-Level Tech: Cadets learn the science behind lasers, optical sensors, fiber optics, and directed energy systems.
  • Military Applications: Cadets gain skills used in target acquisition, surveillance, communications, and defensive tech.
  • Career-Boosting Knowledge: Cadets pair this minor with majors like Physics, Electrical Engineering, or Space Science to boost their technical edge.
  • Hands-On Labs: Cadets use real photonics equipment to run experiments with lasers, mirrors, and light-sensitive materials.

At West Point, the Photonics minor helps cadets understand the power of light - and how to use it to solve real-world problems, support Army missions, and lead in tech-driven environments. It’s a future-focused option for cadets who want to be ahead of the curve.

What Cadets Learn

This minor is all about light - and how to control it. Cadets explore topics like:

  • Geometrical & Physical Optics – How lenses, mirrors, and light waves work
  • Lasers & Light Sources – How lasers are made and how they’re used in military and commercial systems
  • Fiber Optics – How light carries information over long distances
  • Electromagnetic Waves – Understand how light behaves in different environments

Most courses include labs and project-based learning, providing cadets in this minor with practical experience.

Choice of Electives

Cadets can tailor their experience with courses like:

  • Lasers and Modern Optics – Dive deep into how lasers operate and how they’re used in tech and weapons systems
  • Photonics Lab – Build and test light-based systems in a hands-on, real-world lab environment
  • Directed Energy Systems – Learn about high-powered lasers and how the Army uses them for defense
  • Infrared Systems and Imaging – Explore how thermal cameras and night vision work
  • Remote Sensing – Discover how satellites and drones collect data using light-based technology

Learn More

  • View the full Photonics minor curriculum
  • Meet the Photonics faculty

Cadets in this minor have the opportunity to work with the West Point Photonics Research Center on photonics-related research, focusing on presenting at conferences and publishing in relevant journals.

To learn more about enrichment for this area of study, visit the Department of Physics and Nuclear Engineering or the Photonics Research Center.