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Watt's Up
College
of Optical Sciences News for Thursday, May 4, 2006
May 8, 2006
-- Special Presentation -- 11:00 a.m. -- Meinel 701
James G. Grote, US Air Force
Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate,
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, will present Biopolymers Based on
Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) -A New Class of Polymer. Nasser
Peyghambarian is the host. Abstract: A new class of polymer,
based on DNA derived from biowaste materials, has been demonstrated to
possess unique optical and electromagnetic properties that no other
known polymer has, including tailorable conductivity and ultra low
optical and microwave loss. Electronic and electro-optic devices
fabricated from this new biopolymer have also demonstrated performance
that exceeds the performance of the state-of-the-art devices fabricated
from current organic-based materials. This new biopolymer may be
tomorrow’s “silicon” of polymers, with its potential impact on a wide
spectrum of both electronic and optoelectronic devices, while at the
same time being inexpensive and easy to process. This is significant
because it demonstrates that biotechnology is not only applicable for
genomic sequencing and clinical diagnosis and treatment, but can also
have a major impact on non biotech applications as well, such as
electronics and photonics, opening up a whole new field for
bioengineering.
May 8, 2006 -- Special
Presentation -- 5:00 p.m. -- Meinel 701
Professor Jacques
Lucas, Universite de Rennes 1, will present Glasses to See Beyond
Visible. Shibin Jiang and Nasser Peyghambarian are the hosts.
Abstract: Infrared transmitting glasses based on Selenium and
Tellurium have been developed for industrial applications such as night
vision systems for car driving assistance. A new class of composite IR
glass ceramics is in progress for the same type of applications. From
the same kind of glasses two types of fibers have been investigated. The
first one are tapered fibers covering the 2 to 12µm range and are used
for evanescent wave sensing mainly in biology and medicine. The second
family of fibers are single mode fibers operating at 10µm and have been
studied for space applications. A brand new family of Te glasses having
the largest optical window never observed, 2 to 30µm will be discussed.
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Outstanding Senior
The
University of Arizona's Hispanic Alumni association
has selected Optical Sciences Bachelor's degree
student Leonardo Montilla as an outstanding senior.
Congratulations, Leo. |
Outstanding Teaching Assistant
OSC
PhD candidate John Goulding has been selected to
receive an Outstanding Teaching Assistant award from
the UA Foundation. Congratulations John. |
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2006-2007 Graduate Student
Representatives
Jared Moore, Mike Pajor, Corrie
Vandervlugt, and Tyler Neely are our new Grad Reps. Boris Glebov is
going to extend his term and remain as a continuing Grad Rep.
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Jared Moore
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Michael Pajor |
Corrie Vandervlugt |
Tyler Neely |
Boris Glebov |
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OSC Seniors Present their
Capstone Projects at UA's Engineering Design Day
Click on the thumbnails for a larger view |
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25-Foot Goniometer for
Automotive Lighting Measurements
Bernhardt J. Outram,
Leonard Zugby, John R. Hubbard, Goldie Gibbons,
Christopher Steward |
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Sponsor:
Breault Research
Advisor:
Matt Dubin
Mentor:
Dr. Rob Stone |
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Athlete Tracking System
Chad William Mills,
Emily R. Hart, Matthew G. Miller, Nedzad Taljanovic |
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Sponsors:
MacGuire Enterpreneurship
Program
College of Engineering
Mentor:
Dr. Srini Ramasubramanian |
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Deployable Optics Cover for
Space Based Sensor Telescope
James J. Cross,
Parissa Fathalipour, Ryan J. Reese, Ismael R.
Trevino, Kristin E. More |
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Sponsor:
Raytheon Missile Systems
Advisor:
Brian J. Perona
Mentor:
Dr. Hal Tharp |
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Fast Focus 2
Timne Patrice
Bilton, Evan Thomas Webster, Jinuk Jang, Christopher
W. Gay |
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Sponsor:
KLA-Tencor
Advisor:
Ivan Maleev
Mentor:
Dr. Tom Milster |
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Fiber Laser Collimator and
Pump Coupler
Jessica Marie
Towslee, Justin Flanagan-Hyde, Robert Aaron Weekes,
Christopher L. Zimmer |
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Sponsor:
NP Photonics
Advisors:
Shibin Jiang
Jianfeng Wu
Mentor:
Dr. Franko Kueppers |
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Gimbaled Camera for the Coyote
UAV
Robert Ricketts,
Christopher Goodall, Matthew Sutton, Jennifer
Eisenrod, Brandon Weakland |
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Sponsor:
Advanced Ceramics
Research Inc.
Advisor:
Lars Studley
Mentor:
Dr. Eniko T. Enikov |
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Hemispherical Scatterometer
Jared Lee Roberts, Carl R. Nissly, Seth R. Ginter,
James Patrick McGovern |
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Sponsor:
Lambda Research
Corporation
Advisor:
John Koshel
Mentor:
Dr. Hong Hua |
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Laser Scan Projector
Corey Smeaton, Lucas Hill, Evan Richards, Danielle
Loncki, Manpreet Singh, Brienna Putz |
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Sponsor:
Hewlett-Packard
Advisors:
Jon Brewster
Chuck Otis
Mentor:
Dr. Tom Milster |
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Ocular Spherical Aberration
Gauge
Justin M. Sierchio, Yullin Kim, Nick Alan Nash, Jose
F. Florez, Priyanca Sarkar |
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Sponsor:
Vistakon
Advisor:
Russell T. Spaulding
Mentor:
Dr. John Greivenkamp |
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Offner Relay Alignment and
Test Project
Elias Martinez, Glenda Arik, John Knowlton, Kimberly
Martinez, Justan Forsyth |
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Sponsor:
Aerospace Corporation
Advisor:
David Thomas
Mentor:
Dr. Jim Burge |
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Polarized Light Projector
Chad T. Rupp, David Allen Schmidt, Paul Stoll
Hauser, Joseph C. Aldridge |
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Sponsor:
Hewlett-Packard
Advisor:
Jan Brewster
Mentor:
Dr. Tom Milster |
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Thermal Gradient and Thermal
Shock Capability in Optical Materials
Brandon Swinteck, Brenda Cicchini, Conrad
Carlton-Carew, Peter Van Duyne, Jeff Richey |
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Sponsor: Lockheed Martin
Advanced Technology Center
Advisor:
Todd Kvamme
Mentor:
Dr. Joseph Simmons |
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Wide Field of View Michelson
Fourier Transform Spectrometer
Shawn Robertson, Tom Ba Vo, Justina Oi-Chi Tam,
Leonardo G. Montilla, Julia Diane Nichols |
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Sponsor:
Lockheed Martin
Advanced Technology Center
Advisor:
Eric Smith
Mentor:
Dr. Eustace Dereniak |
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Conference on Fisher
Information Held at OSC Last Week
Last
week, our Roy Frieden hosted an international group of scientists at
Optical Sciences' Second International Workshop for Users of Fisher
Information. Much of the material discussed at the conference will
be included in the forthcoming book Exploratory Data Analysis Using
Fisher Information, eds. B.R. Frieden and R.A. Gatenby, Springer-Verlag.
The book is scheduled for publication in November or December of this
year. Conference attendees are: back row, left to right:
S. Abe, Japan; A. Karunanithi, U.S.; S. Ames, Australia; R. Hawkins,
U.S.; B Soffer, U.S.; R. Frieden, U.S.; S. Luo, China. Front row,
left to right: H. Cabezas, U.S.; M. Casas, Spain; A. Plastino,
Argentina. Not pictured: R. Gatenby, U.S.; R. Venkatesan,
India. Click on the thumbnail for a larger view.
Discretionary Pay Increases
From Bobbie
Doss, OSC Personnel Administration. As in the past, there will
be a moratorium on all discretionary pay increases submitted between May
24, 2006 through June 30, 2006. The earliest effective date for any pay
action submitted to Human Resources during that time frame will be July
1, 2006. Additionally, documents submitted for discretionary increases
with effective dates between June 5, 2006 through June 30, 2006 will
automatically be changed to July 1, 2006. If you have any
questions, please contact Bobbie Doss, Meinel 406, by telephone at
621-2477 or by e-mail at
bobbie@optics.arizona.edu
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Around
Campus
May 11, 2006 --
Chemistry Speaker -- 4:00 p.m. -- OC209
Dr. Dwight Walker of Glaxo-Smith Kline will present Identification and Evaluation of
New and Novel Analytical Technologies for Characterization of
Pharmaceutical Products. Abstract:
Glaxo-Smith Kline is looking to establish collaborative efforts
with academic research groups developing novel technologies for
physcial and chemical analysis of pharmaceutical products. The
talk will give an overview of how analysis is done currently at
GSK and why the current situation needs change. The target
audience is researchers from chemistry, physics, optics and
other fields working in the field of "novel" technology. The
objective of this presentation is to identify and evaluate new
and novel analytical
technologies which fill unmet needs in these areas for the
characterization of pharmaceutical products.
May 4, 2006 -- Aerospace
and Mechanical Engineering Seminar -- 4:00 p.m. -- AME N715
Dr. Xiaoyi Wu, Department of
Surgery and Biomedical Engineering at Emory University School of
Medicine and Georgia Institute of Technology and also an AME
Faculty Candidate, will present Experimental and
Computational Biomaterials for Applications in Cardiovascular
Tissue Engineering. Abstract: Bypass
surgery is widely used to treat patients affected by coronary
heart disease, which killed nearly half million people in the
United States annually. In bypass surgery, blocked coronary
arteries are bypassed by blood vessel grafts. Currently, bypass
grafts come from patients’ own arteries or veins located in leg,
arm or chest. Tissue engineering techniques have been used to
develop a synthetic bypass graft. However, one of the hurdles
is to achieve sufficient mechanical strength of grafts, either
acellular or cell-seeded. This work is sought to enhance
mechanical strength of acellular grafts derived from proteins
elastin and collagen. In particular, mechanical properties of
protein elastin-mimics and collagen derivatives are respectively
modulated by varying processing conditions and crosslinking
densities. Furthermore, the long-term stability of elastin-mimics
is enhanced by changes in protein sequence and size using
genetic engineering techniques. As proteins collagen and
elastin are fabricated into a multiple-component graft using
electric and wet spinning techniques, mathematical modeling is
sought to aid in the design and fabrication of grafts. A
structural constitutive model has been developed for
protein-based materials and native tissues. This study
demonstrates a promising strategy to develop a robust, synthetic
bypass graft.
May 5, 2006 -- Aerospace
and Mechanical Engineering Calendar -- 10:00 a.m. -- AME N715
Dr. Steven F. Son, Los Alamos National Laboratory, currently on
sabbatical at Penn State University, and an AME Faculty
Candidate, will present Some Examples of Advanced Energetic
Material Combustion. Abstract: The advanced
Energetic Materials (EMs) effort at Los Alamos has two major
thrust areas: Metastable Intermolecular Composites (MICs) and
High Nitrogen Materials (HiNs). Applications of traditional
composite energetic materials have been limited because of slow
diffusion controlled energy release rate even though energy can
be higher than classical EMs. Nanoscale composite energetic
materials (or MICs) can potentially "change the rules" by
producing reaction rates increased dramatically with a tunable
energy release rate. Applications include green (lead-free)
primers, igniters, and microenergetics (microactuators,
thrusters, heat generation, etc.). HiNs utilize a nitrogen
backbone instead of carbon in classical EMs. This dramatically
changes the combustion of these EMs compared to classical
materials because of the exothermic decomposition of these
materials in contrast to oxidation reactions. Applications of
these materials include microthrusters, microactuators,
propellant burn rate modifiers, and as a pyrotechnic
ingredient. An additional use of HiN metal complexes is to
generate ultra-low density high-surface area metal foams.
Nanostructured metal monolithic foams have been formed by a
novel combustion synthesis approach having remarkably low
densities (0.011 g/cm3) and the highest surface areas obtained
for metals (258 m2/g). In this talk I will present a limited
overview with specific examples of some of my recent work on the
combustion of advanced energetic materials. I will also briefly
discuss future work and teaching interests.
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Happy Birthday
Watt's Happening
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May 5, 2006 -- Final Examinations Begin
May 8, 2006 -- Special Presentation -- 11:00 a.m. --
Meinel 701
James G. Grote, US Air Force Research Laboratory,
Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Wright-Patterson
Air Force Base, will present Biopolymers Based on
Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) -A New Class of Polymer.
May 8, 2006 -- Special Presentation -- 5:00 p.m. --
Meinel 701
Professor Jacques Lucas, Universite de Rennes 1, will
present Glasses to See Beyond Visible. Shibin Jiang
and Nasser Peyghambarian are the hosts.
May 10, 2006 -- PhD Final Oral -- 10:00 a.m. -- Meinel
701
Sang-Ki Park will present Master/Slave Servo
Technique and Characteristics of Bit-Wise Volumetric Optical
Data Storage.
May 12, 2006 -- Final Examinations End
May 12, 2006 -- Degree Certification Deadline
M.S. graduates must complete their final oral exam and
submit signed completion documents.
May 13, 2006 -- Spring Commencement -- Congratulations
Graduates!
May 24, 2006 -- AOIA Cross Cluster Mixer -- Sigma
May 29, 2006 -- Memorial Day -- University Holiday
July 4, 2006 -- Independence Day -- University Holiday
September 4, 2006 -- Labor Day -- University Holiday
September 19 and 20, 2006 -- OSC Written Comprehensive
Exam
November 13, 2006 -- Veterans Day -- University Holiday |
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Employment Openings
Applications Engineer – Optical Thin-film Filters for Biotech
Applications. Semrock, inc. Keywords: Thin-film
filters, biotechnology, fluorescence, microscopy, imaging, genomics,
proteomics, cell biology, flow cytometry, high throughput screening,
Raman spectroscopy, lasers, applications engineer, insides sales.
About Semrock: Semrock, Inc. – based in
Rochester, New York – develops and manufactures high-performance,
high-reliability optical thin-film filters that set the standard for
biotech and analytical instrumentation. Semrock supports its
markets with three product platforms, including high-performance
optical filters for: fluorescence instrumentation & microscopy,
Raman spectroscopy, and biomedical laser systems. Position Description: Semrock is growing
rapidly, with revenue from high-volume OEM sales of specially
tailored products to major industry players, as well as from the
sales of stock catalog products to both end-users and OEM
customers. In support of its expanding business Semrock is looking
for the right Applications Engineer to join our talented team, who
will: Generate complex quotations for volume OEM opportunities in
cooperation with the Sales, Engineering, and Manufacturing teams. Provide technical support to the Sales team, Distributors, and
end-user customers. Organize and host direct interactions with OEM customers and
distributors around the world to: define requirements, develop and
clarify specifications, and resolve any significant product issues. The Applications Engineer will accomplish
the above objectives by combining a thorough understanding of
Semrock’s manufacturing processes and capabilities with an
understanding of customer requirements to develop and/or modify
customer specifications and determine costing and time to
manufacture using various advanced software tools. Qualifications: Success in this position will
be measured by the timely and accurate generation of quotations,
rapid and thorough response to customer questions, and by the
ability to work effectively as part of a larger Semrock team to
assist our sales team as needed. The right candidate will have a strong
technical background in science and engineering, with a good working
knowledge of optics. A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with at least
some relevant industry experience is expected. Experience with optical thin-film filters,
including both design and fabrication, is highly desired. Direct
experience with fluorescence applications and an understanding of
one or more relevant fields in biotechnology (especially
fluorescence imaging and quantification) and experience with
laser-based analytical techniques such as Raman spectroscopy will be
greatly prized. Computer proficiency is also a must. This person must be very organized and
detail-oriented, have exceptional communication skills (both verbal
and written), and must work well and with minimal direction in a
fast-paced small-company environment. The position is based in Rochester, New York.
Contact: Dr. Turan Erdogan, CTO, Semrock, Inc. 3625 Buffalo
Road, Rochester, NY 14624. tel: (585) 594-7001. fax:
(585) 594-3898.
turan@semrock.com
www.semrock.com
Optical Designer.
Microvision. Microvision is the world leader in
high-resolution scanned beam display and imaging systems built upon
the company's proprietary silicon micro-mirror technology. We are a
small company that allows individual contributions to have an
immediate impact. We encourage and reward employees to be creative,
to stretch beyond the boundaries of title, to take risks, to share
knowledge, and to become leaders within the organization.
Microvision currently has an exciting opportunity in our engineering
group for an experienced Optical designer. Position Summary:
Microvision uses its scanning laser beam technology to develop head
up displays and head worn displays. Optically, these systems can be
divided in a scanning laser beam part with the emphasis on beam
propagation, and in a part where the virtual image is created with
the focus on imaging optics. Both parts of the system offer
interesting optical challenges. The Optics group is part of
the Engineering team and is responsible for the development of the
optical systems for these displays systems. The optics engineer will
be working in this group to develop high quality and differentiated
optical systems. The optics engineer contributes to product
development in the areas of product concept definition, product
design, analysis, component design, prototyping, and testing.
Requires Experience in: Working closely with other members of a
multi-disciplined project team to develop imaging and projection
systems using scanning laser beam technology. Designing both
the laser scanning and imaging part of the optical system.
Using tolerance analysis to verify designs. Optimizing the
design of the engine for manufacturability with mechanical
engineers. Working with vendors to develop specifications for
optical components and assemblies. Evaluating optical components and
build prototypes of the engine to validate the design.
Responsibilities also include identification and validation of new
optical technologies. Working with Zemax Software is highly
desired. Minimum Qualifications: Two years of optical design
using ray tracing methods. Knowledge of optical design
software, at least preferably use of Code V or TracePro.
Education: BS in Physics or Optics. MS in Optics a plus.
Contact: Heather Skillman, Sr Recruiter, Microvision Inc.
www.microvision.com 425-936-6835.
Optical Engineer.
Digital Optics Corporation. Digital Optics Corporation is
the world leader in wafer-based micro-optics and micro-optical
systems. Based in Charlotte, NC, we develop and market advanced
micro-optical components and systems worldwide. Our products are
widely used in communications, sensing and scanning applications,
semiconductor manufacturing as well as homeland security systems.
We are currently looking for a talented entry-level Optical
Engineer. In this position, you will be responsible for design and
analysis in support of new product development utilizing DOC’s core
technology of wafer-based optics. Candidate will support design,
process development and test efforts, working within multiple
cross-functional project teams. Duties and responsibilities
include, but are not limited to: New product system design
support: tolerancing, first-order optomechanical analysis, etc.
Hands on testing in our optics laboratory. Analyzing process
metrology and optical test data, then interpret results for peers.
The ideal candidate must display excellent analytical capabilities
and be able to effectively communicate complex technical ideas in
detail. A strong knowledge of optics fundamentals should be
evidenced in one or more the following areas: optical design,
micro-optic fabrication, optics laboratory skills, photonics, fiber
optics, or optical metrology. A broad technical curiosity and strong
work ethic are valued characteristics. Qualified candidates will
have a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Physical Science with at
least 2 years of optical engineering work experience, or a Master’s
Degree or higher in Engineering or Physical Science with
specialization in optics. We offer a competitive compensation
and benefits package, including stock options, a 401K plan with
company match, medical/dental, Company paid vision and life
insurance, STD/LTD, tuition reimbursement, up to 20 PTO days, and a
relocation allowance. DOC, whose products are currently sold
worldwide, provides a dynamic environment, excellent advancement
opportunities and a wide variety of projects and assignments. Our
work environment is fun, engaging, intellectually stimulating,
challenging, relaxed, and environmentally friendly. Email your
resume, including salary requirements, to hr@doc.com. Digital Optics
Corporation is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. Contact:
Jenna McWilliams, ASA, Administrative Services, Digital Optics
Corporation, 9815 David Taylor Drive, Charlotte, NC 28262.
(704) 887-7617. (704) 887-3101.
jmcwilliams@doc.com
Optical Engineer.
L-3 Sonoma EO. About L-3 Sonoma EO: L-3 Sonoma EO, a
rapidly growing aerospace engineering firm, is redefining
state-of-the-art in high performance EO/IR stabilized imaging
systems for military and government applications. L-3 Sonoma EO is
located in the beautiful wine country of Sonoma County -
approximately 1.5 hours north of San Francisco. Optical
Engineer: L-3 Sonoma EO has an immediate opportunity for an
Optical Engineer to conduct optical engineering and analysis of
visible and infrared gimbal-mounted imaging systems.
Responsibilities: Optical analysis of visible and infrared
optical components and sub-assemblies supporting internal and
external optics development. Optical analysis and
experimentation supporting optical product development.
Integration and test of visible and infrared imaging modules.
Support ISO quality system by assisting in the development of
quality system documentation (as required) and follow internal
process to ensure proper conformance to established policies and
procedures. Requirements: Understanding of geometrical
optical principles. Understanding of optical metrology
techniques and equipment. Familiar with optical design
programs such as Zemax or Code V. Understanding of optical
system design. Experience with telescopes, camera lenses, and
MWIR lens systems. Knowledge of analytical software tools (Zemax,
Mathematica, MATLAB, etc..) Hands-on experience in optical
labs. Strong written and oral communication skills. US
Citizenship and the ability to gain security clearance required.
Education: BS in Optical Engineering or related field with 5 –
10 years of experience. MS in Optical Engineering or related
field with 3 – 5 years of experience. PhD in Optical
Engineering or related field with 1 -3 years of experience.
Please apply to this job via our website,
www.l-3com.com/sonomaeo
L-3 Sonoma EO is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
Employer. Thank you for your time and consideration of L-3
Sonoma EO.
Product Manager – Optical Thin-film Filters for Biotech
Applications. Semrock, Inc. Keywords: Thin-film
filters, biotechnology, fluorescence, microscopy, imaging, genomics,
proteomics, cell biology, flow cytometry, high throughput screening,
Raman spectroscopy, lasers, applications engineer, insides sales,
product management, customer service. About Semrock: Semrock, Inc. – based in
Rochester, New Yorkilities with an understanding of customer
requirements and with strong leadership ability. Qualifications: The right candidate will have
a strong technical background in science and engineering, with a
good working knowledge of optics. A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree
plus five years of relevant industry experience are expected. Experience with optical thin-film filters,
including both design and fabrication, is highly desired. Direct
experience with fluorescence applications and an understanding of
one or more relevant fields in biotechnology (especially
fluorescence imaging and quantification techniques for genetics,
cell biology, drug discovery, etc.) and experience with laser-based
analytical techniques such as Raman spectroscopy will be greatly
prized. The qualified individual will have demonstrated
proficiency in managing a small team of people. Computer proficiency is also a must, including
the ability to rapidly become adept in the use of the Company’s ERP
system. The Applications Engineering Manager must be able to both
build product information into the ERP system, and to mine the data
contained within it, as well as augment the business systems used by
the Customer Service team. This person must be very organized and
detail-oriented, have exceptional communication skills, both verbal
and written, and must work well and with minimal direction in a
fast-paced small-company environment. The position is based in Rochester, New York,
and reports directly to the CTO. Contact: Dr. Turan
Erdogan, CTO, Semrock, Inc. 3625 Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY 14624.
tel: (585) 594-7001. fax: (585) 594-3898.
turan@semrock.com
www.semrock.com
Research Engineer. Avago Technologies.
Work with a
small team of scientists and engineers, in an applied R&D
environment, to invent, design, and fabricate prototypes of novel
navigation devices. The candidate will be responsible for all
aspects of the invention and design process. In addition, he/she
will be responsible for initiating new products and
consumer/industrial markets for the company’s business units.
Qualifications: Masters/PhD in EE or Physics with focus in
optical design and measurement, including imaging science.
Experience/skills – Necessary: Graduate level experience in set-up
and execution of optical measurements using computer controlled
software, such as LABVIEW, etc Experience with computer aided design
software such as MATLAB, ZEMAX, ADC, etc. Desirable:
Circuit board design and layout experience. Knowledge and
experience of fabrication of micro-optic components.
Experience in design and fabrication of consumer electronic or
optical products or product prototypes. Contact: Dr.
David Dolfi, Research Fellow, Avago Technologies,
dave.dolfi@avagotech.com
cathy.alexander@optics.arizona.edu
University of Arizona College of Optical Sciences
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