Watt's Up
Optical
Sciences Center News for Thursday, March 31, 2005
Next Week's Colloquium
On April 7,
Dr. Kelly S. Potter, OSC alumnus and University of Arizona Associate
Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and of Optical Sciences
will present Defects to Devices: Engineered Photoresponse of Optical
Materials. Abstract.
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Technology Innovation: UA Honors Michael Descour, James Wyant, and
Richard Powell
By
Bobbie Doss, Optical Sciences Center Associate Director for
Personnel Administration.
 On
Tuesday March 29, Michael Descour and James Wyant were
honored at the 2005 UA Technology Innovation Faculty Awards. This
is the second year for the awards. They began a little over a
year ago, when a meeting between University official Dr. Richard C.
Powell and two members of the Tucson community -- Bob Hagen of the
Southern Arizona Technology Council and Dr. Robert Breault of the
Optics Cluster -- yielded a comment that the UA recognizes its
faculty members for their teaching, research, and excellence, but
not for developments leading to the transfer of technology into the
private sector.
“Optics is perhaps the most exciting field there is – fast-paced,
technologically challenging, and rapidly changing.” These words capture Dr. Wyant’s enthusiasm for the
field to which he has devoted his professional life. As
Director of the Optical Science Center, Dr. Wyant leads the
University’s efforts in education, research and outreach pertaining
to the science and application of light. His research focuses on
application of microcomputers and software to interferometric
techniques for optical measurement and on development of commercial
optical test equipment, based on phase-shifting interferometry.
In
1982, Dr. Wyant, along with several colleagues, founded WYKO
Corporation. The company produced computerized interferometers for
the measurement of surface roughness and surface shape. Its
technology is widely applied in the data storage industry, as well
as in the automotive, semiconductor, optical and biomedical
fields. He has also been involved in the establishment of several
other optics companies including 4D Technology and DMetrix.
In
2001, Dr. Descour and his colleagues founded DMetrix, a unique
technology company that is developing microscopic-imaging
instrumentation incorporating advances in optical design, digital
imaging, telecommunications, and bioinformatics. The company’s
products include high-speed scanning instruments and software tools
to facilitate digital pathology.
Dr. Descour is a pioneer in using micro-optical imaging technology
to create innovations in health sciences and related fields. He
leads the Optical Sciences Center’s Biomedical Imaging and
Microscopy Laboratory where international
faculty members and students create optical solutions to complex
problems in biology and medicine.
Dr. Powell has announced he will be retiring from the University in
July of 2005. He was given a Special Recognition Award for his
service to the University of Arizona and for moving UA technology
out of the laboratory and into the marketplace. Under his
leadership, the University’s technology transfer activity has grown
dramatically. From 1999 to 2002, the University’s total sponsored
research expenditures grew from $320.2 million to $390.8 million.
During the same time frame, the number of U.S. patent applications
filed annually increased from 40 to 62.
In
the past three years, under Dr. Powell’s leadership, the
University’s Technology and Research Initiative Fund (TRIF) has
yielded eight start-up companies, 82 patent applications, 131 new
industrial partners, and $180 million in new research grants. Dr.
Powell played a key role in the expansion of the Office of
Technology Transfer as well as in the creation of the Arizona
Center for Innovation. |
Our Spring Picnic is on Saturday -- Come
Join Us
 Come to Ft. Lowell Park, Ramada number 6, from noon to 3:00 p.m.
Barbeque will be served from noon to 2:00 p.m. and everyone is asked to
bring a dessert to share. This year, we have invited a number of
prospective graduate students to visit us on the weekend of April 1 and
2 -- and we are
delighted that they will be joining us at the picnic. Students,
faculty and staff, you're all invited to come meet our
prospective students and enjoy the company of your OSC friends and
colleagues. This year, our picnic is sponsored in part by BAE
Systems, one of our Industrial Affiliates. Thank you BAE!
 Just Arrived: OSC T-Shirts for 2005
These gorgeous black shirts -- available in a variety of adult sizes from
small to supersize, are for sale in the Academic Programs Office, Meinel
403, for a very reasonable $14 each.
Today -- Special Presentation -- 11:00
a.m. -- Meinel 701
Axel Schülzgen, OSC Associate Research Professor and Candidate for
Photonics Faculty Position, will present Microstructures for Fiber
Lasers. Abstract: In recent years fiber lasers have
emerged as competition for many traditional lasers. Utilizing guided mode
propagation fiber lasers deliver high quality laser beams from very
compact devices that are compatible with integrated optics formats. Fiber
lasers can operate at a multitude of wavelengths from the visible to the
infrared by stimulated emission from optically excited rare earth ions
such as Nd, Yb, or Er. Over the last few years rapid improvements have
been made and I will report on the performance achieved in very compact
fiber lasers that operate at 1550 nm and utilize highly Er/Yb co-doped
phosphate glasses. The guided wave concept enables great flexibility in
the structural design of fiber devices and device integration. Refractive
index structures on the micro- and nanometer scale can be used to tailor
device performance and achieve multiple functionalities. Microscopic
structures will lead to miniaturization and integration of next
generation photonic devices similar to the development seen in
semiconductor electronics. I will demonstrate the benefits of
well-designed microstructured fibers to the performance of our fiber
lasers and discuss ideas for future microphotonic devices.
Monday -- Special Presentation -- 2:00
p.m. -- Meinel 701
Fiorenzo G. Omenetto, Los Alamos National Laboratory and Candidate for
Photonics Faculty Position, will present Guiding Light Through Glass
Holes. Abstract: Ultrafast pulses propagating in optical
fibers generate a number of linear and nonlinear effects which affect the
pulse during its travel. Such effects stem from the dependence
of the index of refraction on frequency and from the self-action effects
which, in turn, involve the dependence of the index of refraction on the
pulse intensity. The implications of observing and mastering the
nonlinear interaction between ultrafast pulses and optical fibers or the
recently developed photonic crystal fibers (PCFs) constitutes a rich
field for both basic and applied science and offer, perhaps, new avenues
to manipulate light. In this talk, an attempt is made to address the
issues that deal with ultrafast (femtosecond) pulse propagation in
optical fibers and PCFs. A summary of experimental results ranging from
phase sensitive measurement techniques, to femtosecond pulse shaping and
adaptive feedback control will be presented. Ultrafast pulse propagation
in photonic crystal fibers, (constituted by a regular pattern of air
holes and bulk material) will be illustrated, given the extreme interest
in these new structures and their promise of being a crucial component of
fiber-based systems and new optical processing schemes.
Coming Up -- Newport to Host a Vibration
Analysis Discussion at OSC
On Wednesday, April 13 at 12:30 p.m. in Room 410 of the Optical Sciences
Center, Newport Corporation will present information on Vibration
Control. Warren Booth, Product Manager, will discuss optical table
construction, how to read and understand compliance curves, new
innovations in damping and table performance and how to choose the right
table for your application. After the discussion, he will be available
to analyze floor vibrations in your laboratory. To set up an
appointment for the analysis, please contact Brenda Alfson, Regional
Sales Manager, Newport Corporation, by telephone at 520-219-3861 or by
email at brenda.alfson@newport.com
Summer Compensation
Faculty members and graduate students on academic
appointments, it's time to begin processing summer paperwork.
If you plan to work at Optical Sciences -- and get paid for it --
during the summer months, please visit
http://www.optics.arizona.edu/payroll/summer2005.htm for requirements
and processing steps. Please complete the necessary forms as soon
as possible, but no later than April 29. The forms can be dropped
off in Stella Hostetler's office in the trailer.
Happy Birthday
Watt's
Happening
April 1 and 2, 2005 -- Optical Sciences Center Graduate
Student Recruitment Weekend
April 2, 2005 -- Optical Sciences Center Spring Picnic
-- Noon -- Ft. Lowell Park, Ramada #6
April 6, 2005 -- SATC/AOIA Cross Cluster Mixer #2 --
5:45 p.m. -- Spectra Physics
Please confirm your attendance with Michelle White at
(520) 721-0500 or mwhite@breault.com
April 7, 2005 -- Optical Sciences Center Colloquium --
3:45 p.m. -- Meinel 410
April 10, 2005 -- 3:00 p.m. -- Deadline to be Listed as
a May Graduate in the UA Commencement Program
Master's students must
have submitted a Master’s Plan of Study by the deadline in order to be
listed in the program. Doctoral candidates must have submitted their
Advancement to Candidacy by the deadline in order to be listed in the
program. If you anticipate graduating in May, 2005 and have not yet
submitted these required documents, see Gail Varin in the academics
office, room 403.
April 14, 2005 -- Optical Sciences Center Colloquium --
3:45 p.m. -- Meinel 410
April 21, 2005 -- Optical Sciences Center Colloquium --
3:45 p.m. -- Meinel 410
April 25 - 29, 2005 -- Introduction to ASAP -- Breault
Research Organization
BRO has offered any unsold seats to OSC
graduate students and staff at no cost. To reserve a spot, please
contact Laurel Reeve, Sales Assistant, at Breault Research Organization,
by email at
lreeve@breault.com
For more information, please visit www.breault.com
Please note: There is considerable demand from OSC students for the extra
seats in BRO's Optical Software Tutorials. BRO's tutorial room
accommodates 12 students, including the company's newest software
clients. Open seats will be awarded to OSC students free of charge on a
first-come-first-served basis, with an ongoing wait list. As a courtesy to
your fellow students, BRO requests that you carefully consider your
schedule and any deadlines that you may have before registering. Once
registered, please notify Laurel Reeve at
lreeve@breault.com as as soon as possible if your plans change, so
that BRO may accommodate other OSC students. BRO's software tutorials
range from 3 to 5 full days (8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) of classroom-style
instruction and problem-solving sessions.
April 26, 2005 -- OSC 2005 Group Photo -- 1:00 p.m. --
Location is TBD
April 28, 2005 -- Optical Sciences Center Colloquium --
3:45 p.m. -- Meinel 410
April 29, 2005 -- Deadline to Turn In OSC Summer Comp
Paperwork
May 4, 2005 -- Last Day of Classes and Laboratory
Sessions
May 6, 2005 -- Final Examinations Begin
May 13, 2005 -- Final Examinations End
May 14, 2005 -- University of Arizona Spring Commencement
Employment
Internships at Intel. A presentation about
internships at Intel will be given on Thursday, March 31 from 5:00
p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in Harvill, Room 404.
Optical Engineer. Kollmorgen Electro-Optical, a
Danaher company. Develop complex optical design concepts and
implement concepts into finished working designs. Design and develop
optical systems and components in accordance with applicable
specifications and other mechanical, environmental and electrical
requirements. Work with other Engineering groups, the Project
Engineer, manufacturing and other departments to insure that all
contractual and other project requirements related to optical
performance are fulfilled. Perform detailed optical analysis,
documentation, alignment, testing, troubleshooting and evaluation.
Prepare or contribute to technical proposals. Identify optical tasks
associated with a project and estimate manpower and other resources
required to execute it. Participate in design reviews to
demonstrate that design meets all specifications and customer
requirements. Perform detailed design using computer aided design
techniques such as Code V. Bachelors degree in Engineering,
Astronomy, Math or Physics with a minimum of 3 years experience.
Company Information: Kollmorgen Electro-Optical, a Danaher
company, is the leading designer, developer and manufacturer of
high-performance periscopes, optronics and motion control systems. At
Kollmorgen Electro-Optical we use advanced technologies to meet the
challenges of tomorrow's naval optronics and electro-mechanical
motion control systems. As an ISO-9001 certified company we are
dedicated to continuous improvement through the use of advanced
manufacturing tools such as kaizen, standard work, cellular
manufacturing, and 5s. Location: Northampton, Massachusetts. Please send all resumes to
nataliecorbett@comcast.net (refer to job title in heading).
Optical Engineer. Vision-Ease Lens, Inc. 7000
Sunwood Drive NW, Ramsey, MN 55303. Our Optical Engineer
position will be located in our Ramsey, MN facility, north of the
Twin Cities. This individual will be responsible for the optical
related aspects of new product design and development. In addition,
this role will provide tooling, manufacturing and marketing support
and be a liaison to outside ophthalmic lens design companies as
needed. Our preferred candidate will have a minimum of five
years of assorted optical experience in the following areas:
geometrical optical design, polarization technology, thin films
(anti-reflecting and other coatings), birefringence effects, color
technology and/or other general optical expertise. Prior experience
in Ophthalmic lens design, computer analysis of optical surfaces,
optical aberration analysis and mathematical and computer programming
skills for optics analysis is preferred. Code 5, ASAP or ZMAX Optical
Molding experience preferred. Candidates must have a B.S., M.S., or
PhD degree in technical field such as engineering, physics or optics
as well as the ability to work with functional teams at all levels
successfully. To apply, please send a resume to:
staffing@vision-ease.com or Vision-Ease Lens, Attn
Staffing, 7000 Sunwood Drive NW, Ramsey, MN 55303. Vision-Ease
Lens, is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Optics Engineer Intern. Brontes
Technologies has developed a unique optical system that can transform
any 2D imaging device into an accurate, high-speed 3D imaging device.
Brontes’ patented technology was developed over four years by a team
of engineers at MIT and is led by experienced entrepreneurs and
imaging experts. The company is currently adapting the technology for
use as an intra-oral imaging system to replace the antiquated dental
impression process. The company is funded by leading venture
capitalists, including Bain Capital, Charles River Ventures and IDG
Ventures. Brontes is based just outside of Boston, in Woburn, Mass.
About the Position: The Optics Engineer position will involve
the following tasks: Assist in the designing, configuring,
supporting and using various hardware components of the system.
Optics design and review (in Zemax). Minor assembly of optical
components. Working with various illumination sources.
Occasional interaction with optics and other parts vendors.
Running various evaluations on proposed optical designs.
Receive and test new hardware. Some interaction with software
(hardware drivers, MATLAB, etc). Required Qualifications:
An MS (or higher) candidate in Optics or related field. Strong
skills in optical modeling software, preferably Zemax. Some
experience working with CCD and CMOS sensors, motor controls and
other imaging hardware. Comfort and enthusiasm for working in
an early stage environment. Understanding of basic image
processing principles. Compensation/Advancement:
Compensation for this position will be competitive for the industry
and will include an equity position. Contact Information:
If interested, please email a copy of your resume to
careers@brontes3d.com.
Principal Opto-Mechanical Engineer/Senior Opto-Mechanical
Engineer. Directed Energy Solutions (www.denergysolutions.com),
a 2004 Inc. 500 company, seeks a talented, self-motivated opto-mechanical
engineer to participate in and lead challenging research and
development projects. A strong background in mechanical engineering
with 5-10 years of design, experimental, and project leadership
experience is required. Experience with solid modeling (Solidworks
preferred) and CFD/thermal/stress analysis simulations (commercial or
home-built) is required. Hands-on experience with cryogenic systems
and optical design tools is a plus. The applicant should hold an M.S
or Ph.D. (Principal Engineer), a B.S. or M.S. (Senior Engineer), or
have demonstrated performance at either level. Responsibilities will
include opto-mechanical system design for use at cryogenic
temperatures (using solid modeling and CFD/thermal/stress analysis
tools) and hands-on system integration and validation. US
Citizenship or permanent residency is required. Annual salary will
be commensurate with education and experience. Please see our
website for additional details on DES, our project areas, and our
location in Colorado Springs, CO. Apply to
jobs@denergysolutions.com
Summer Intern. Liti Holographics Inc. is looking for
a summer intern in Newport News, VA. We are a leading, high-tech
company with breakthrough technologies in the field of holography and
holographic products. Candidates should have background in optics,
physics, electrical or similar engineering field. Knowledge related
to optics and lasers helpful. Please submit resume via email to:
internship@litiholographics.com
cathy.alexander@optics.arizona.edu
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