The center's mission is to advance the theory and practice of standardization on a worldwide basis through unbiased, innovative research and education involving the engineering, business, policy, legal, economic, and social aspects of standards-related activities and products. The center creates an applied science community for students and faculty that integrates teaching and research, and fosters a stimulating sense of community among center members. Students have recently formed a student chapter of the Optical Society of America. OCSC pursues interactions with industry to strengthen the sense of community, especially within Colorado. The center has been a driving force behind making the Rocky Mountain region an internationally known area for photonics by helping to create a unique environment for photonics businesses.
Faculty members work with industrial partners on joint research and development projects.
The former provides technician training and maintains facilities to help companies prototype new photonics products, while the latter fosters relationships between the region's many photonics companies. The center is continuing to tread new ground in the field of innovative learning environments. An exciting micro-optoelectronics curriculum is being developed based on experimental interactive multimedia modules and a remote access laboratory concept. The curriculum is being structured to provide an interactive multimedia environment where students design, fabricate, and test their own optoelectronic devices.