Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

The Work

A Laser Physicist’s job involves investigating laser processes by determining what type of laser and laser conditions to use on varying ‘wafers’. Wafers are a thin slice of semiconductor material, such as crystalline silicon, used in electronics for the fabrication of integrated circuits.

Laser Physicists generally carry out work on behalf of manufacturers of computer chips and memory devices. Work involves devising small features such as holes, trenches and slots on device wafers. Laser physicists will work with a team of engineers in a lab environment. They will work together to produce a series of experimental tests to determine the optimum laser conditions for machining a particular customer sample.

The Laser Physicist is responsible for changing parameters such as laser beam sise, laser focus, laser repetition frequency, laser wavelength and laser pulse energy in order to determine their optimum working conditions.

Communication with customers is a vital component of this work so regularly writing detailed and complex reports on the results of experiments carried out on lasers is essential.

Employment opportunities for laser physicists are generally in laboratories working on technology for a range of companies including opticians, hospitals, automotive engineers and computer manufacturers and also working with lasers in the area of climate change.

Employment is also possible in research and lecturing at third level.

Tasks and Activities

• Investigating new laser processes
• Devising experimental testing on lasers
• Determining optimum conditions for machining the lasers on a daily basis
• Assessing laser quality
• Compiling detailed reports for customers
• Altering laser specifications in order to cater for particular requirements
• Perform modelling for a range of laser systems
• Devise and implement solutions to a variety of complex issues regarding lasers.

Work Activities

Analysing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Knowledge

Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Mechanical — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Education and Training — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Skills Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Mathematics — Using mathematics to solve problems.

Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Analyse system performance or operational requirements.
• Develop optical or imaging systems, such as optical imaging products, optical components, image processes, signal process technologies, or optical systems.
• Develop or test photonic prototypes or models.
• Design, integrate, or test photonics systems or components.
• Assist in the transition of photonic prototypes to production.
• Read current literature, talk with colleagues, continue education, or participate in professional organisations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in the field.
• Write reports or proposals related to photonics research or development projects.
• Conduct testing to determine functionality or optimisation or to establish limits of photonics systems or components.
• Determine applications of photonics appropriate to meet product objectives or features.
• Conduct research on new photonics technologies.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

A background in physics or electrical engineering supports the pursuit of a career as a Laser Physicist. Postgraduate level study is typically required for entry to the workforce at this ranking. Relevant degree and postgraduate courses are available from a range of universities. A Ph. D. focused on laser physics or electrical engineering is required to reach a high level post including lecturing in this area.

Training & Development

FET PLC Courses: Applied Laboratory Science, Applied Science, Applied Science - Laboratory Techniques, Applied Sciences at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET PLC Courses

Apprenticeship: Lab Tech, Lab Analyst Apprenticeships NFQ level 6-7 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Physics (Common Entry), Physics with Energy & Environment, Theoretical Physics, Physics (Degree options in Applied, Astrophysics, Biomedical, Climate, Theoretical), Physics (Applied) NFQ Level 8 Search CAO courses

Professional Development

Postgraduate Study Options Physics - Applied Physics, Applied Mathematics & Theoretical Physics, Physics, Physics - Research, Experimental Physics - Research NFQ level 9

Last Updated: November, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €50k - €100k

Laser physicists possess highly transferable skills and work in a wide range of areas, including academia, research and development and manufacturing , as such no single salary band could be accurate but generally salary prospects are very good.

Data Source(s):
IUA/ Morgan McKinley/ CPL / Indeed/ Payscale/ Salary Expert

Last Updated: August, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The annual employment growth rate over the five-year period was above average for this occupation, with employment increasing by almost 2,000 persons between 2021 and 2022. Almost a third of employment was in industry with the remainder spread across many sectors. The number of new employment permits issued grew from 164 to 506 between 2021 and 2022, with two fifths of permits issued for roles in the manufacturing of chemicals/pharma sub-sector for scientists and analysts (e.g. quality control, chemists); other roles include medical scientists/technologists, microbiologists, process development and R&D scientists.

In June 2022, medical scientists were moved to the Critical Skills Employment Permit List due to issues with sourcing suitable candidates; in Summer 2023, the Government announced plans to expand the number of training places for medical scientists by 20 places. The Recruitment Agency Survey identified difficult-to-fill vacancy mentions for analytical and process scientists. Online job adverts for this occupation grew slightly in 2022, almost all related to posts for R&D managers.

This was the most frequently occurring occupation in online job adverts in 2022. With employment levels increasing and demand still evident, shortages are expected to persist for this occupation, particularly in the chemical/pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, for those with experience and/or in niche areas. The recent decline in the value of pharmaceutical exports in Ireland is unlikely to have a significant impact on the demand for skills as, in addition to being in strong demand in the pharma & biopharma processing industry, they are much sought after elsewhere in both the life sciences sector (e.g. medical devices) and other manufacturing (e.g. food & beverage); in addition, Government focus (and investment) on research and innovation will also sustain the already strong demand for these skills. Shortages of analytical, process and medical scientists are likely to continue.

• Institute of Physics in Ireland

  • Department of Physics, University of Limerick, Limerick
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• Tyndall National Institute

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• Engineers Ireland

  • 22 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge Dublin 4
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• STEPS - Engineers Ireland

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  • (01) 665 1340
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