Spectrum Lab provides research opportunities for students from the high school to PhD level. If you are interested in research in optics and photonics, reach out to one of the team leads below.

High School Internships

Bozeman and Gallatin high school students may be eligible for a 6-week self-directed internship over the summer. Past projects include:

  • 3D printed optical gratings for a visible spectrometer/wavemeter
  • Automated multi-camera calibration and real-time 3D point cloud stitching using ArUco markers

Reach out to your school counselor for more information about how to apply.

Gallatin College Associate's Degree

Spectrum Lab has participated in the Gallatin College Photonics and Laser Technology program by providing training modules and tours for current students. If you are interested in becoming a laser technician, visit the Gallatin College webpage to learn more and apply.

Undergraduate ResearchUndergrad Kat and staff member Sam look at a micro-printed structure at a microscope

At Spectrum Lab, we provide hands-on research experience for undergraduate students who are interested in optics and photonics and related disciplines:

  • Mechanical Engineering: Help build optical systems and experiments
  • Electrical Engineering: Help build photonics and electrical systems and experiments
  • Computer Engineering: Help design and build circuits, FPGAs, and advanced signal processing
  • Physics: Help understand and build out real quantum network interfaces and interconnects
  • Chemistry: Help build out material processes for quantum sources and networking

Undergraduate research gives students the excellent opportunity to develop technical skills as well as soft skills such as presenting, communication, and time management. If you are interested in research in a specific topic, contact one of the team leads listed below.

Interested in undergrad research? Follow these steps:

  1. Reach out to a team lead or the Director about opportunities.
  2. Shadow a staff member during a trial period.
  3. Finalize project and research goals with mentors. (An offer for a paid position may be made.)

Team Leads:

Graduate Research (Master's or PhD)Staff member helps a student at a lab bench

Master of Science in Optics and Photonics

The Master of Science in Optics & Photonics (MSOP) is an excellent path for graduate students conducting research at Spectrum Lab. This is an interdisciplinary degree managed by the Optics & Photonics Degree Program Committee on behalf of the Departments of Physics, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Chemistry and Biochemistry.

Visit the MSOP website to learn about degree requirements and how to apply to the program.

The Master of Science in Optics and Photonics can be earned with a thesis or project (professional paper) option: 

PhD in Physics or Electrical EngineeringTwo students and a professor at a PhD graduation

Historically, PhD students who have conducted their research at Spectrum Lab have belonged to the Department of Physics or the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Most students complete a Master of Science in Optics & Photonics en route to their terminal degree, via the professional paper option. If you are interested in working with Spectrum Lab for your graduate degree, please contact our director, Dr. Rupavatharam (krishna.rupavatharam@montana.edu).