More than 60 students have graduated and found employment in industry, academia, and research laboratories. Pioneering research has originated from this program in areas ranging from the quantum theory of lasers to ultrashort pulse physics to optoelectronic devices, to cite only a few examples. The research facilities are located in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, in the Department of Ele
ctrical and Computer Engineering, and at UNM's Center for High-Technology Materials. In 1996 the Optics Program became a member of WICHE (Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education). There are numerous collaborations with the three National Laboratories in New Mexico - Sandia NL, Los Alamos NL, and the Air Force Research Laboratory, and with members of the optics industry cluster (New Mexico Optics Industry Association - NMOIA).