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January 10, 2007 -- First Day of Classes

Employment Opportunities in Optics

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College of Optical Sciences.  University of Arizona Links to employment opportunities within the College of Optical Sciences can be found at http://www.optics.arizona.edu/Employment/osc.asp  Complete  position descriptions and application procedures are included within each employment opening.

Optical Engineer.  ITT Industries Night Vision.  This job description describes the perfect applicant. Do not be discouraged if you do not have all the requirements, but US citizenship, lens design code, spread sheet, text editor and optics degree (or equivalent) are very important. By optics degree I mean courses in geometric optics, radiometry, physical optics, detectors, optics lab … fiber optic communication doesn’t count unless it gets into radiometry and detectors.  Position Summary:  Function as an optical engineer on teams tasked with the development of new night vision systems that can be integrated into the electronic battlefield.  This position will require the ability to lead the development of optical components and sub-assemblies including determining component specification.  This position is also responsible to work with other departments to establish qualified vendors for optical assemblies/components.  Essential Functions/Responsibilities:  Task the optical engineer must accomplish are:  Analyze customer and system requirements and translate them into specific design requirements for the various optical assemblies.   Conduct concurrent engineering with different vendor.  Being the main interface between these vendors and the integrated product development team.  Using commercially available computer ray trace programs, analyze the projected performance of various optical designs and assess their applicability for use in Night Vision devices.  Oversee the fabrication of the proof of concept, prototype and engineering development models of the optical assemblies/components that meet both the performance specification and the unit cost expectations.  Participate in the initial testing and subsequent design revision of the optics.  Act as the Optical Engineer on the integrated product development teams.  Be responsible for the operation of the optical laboratory that includes:   Establishing a budget for, specifying, and procuring optical laboratory test equipment (includes maintenance and calibration).  Developing accurate test procedures for optical components and for the optical performance of the entire system.  Be a consultant to manufacturing engineering and the factory on optical test equipment use and accuracy.  Monitor optical developments in other areas and assess their applicability to use in Night Vision devices.  Work with other departments to establish/evaluate optical vendors.  Qualifications/Requirements:  (Describe the knowledge, skills and abilities, including education and experience, required to successfully perform the essential functions of the position).  BS  minimum (Optics, physics or some related field).  Must have good skills in use of software to predict optical assembly and full system performance and to track progress on programs (typical programs include Code V® or Zemax®).   Must be able to effectively communicate design and engineering requirements to external optical vendors as well as to individuals and team members.  Capable of preparing complete specifications for optical subassemblies that may be transmitted as contract documents to our customers/vendors.  Capable of preparing technical papers and presentations on optical performance and design details associated with the development of night vision systems.  Capable of developing and conducting optical test on both components and complete systems.  Responsible for test accuracy and calibration of the test set-up.  Able to work as part of an Integrated Product Development design team.  Capable of concise technical writing required for proposals, test report, test procedures and communication with vendors.  Other qualifications:  MS Office skills.  Ability to obtain a Security Clearance (i.e. US Citizen and no criminal background).  Contact:  Dan D. Oyler, SPHR.  Manager, Human Resources.  ITT Night Vision, 7635 Plantation Road, Roanoke, VA 24019.  P:  (540) 362-7390.  C:  (540) 520-6128.  Dan.Oyler@itt.com

Postdoctoral Position in Laser Spectroscopy.  Center for Research and Education in Optical Sciences and Applications, Delaware State University.  The Center for Research and Education in Optical Sciences and Applications (CREOSA) is a newly established Center funded by the National Science Foundation. The Center activities focus on laser spectroscopy of complex systems, nonlinear optics, optical soliton propagation, and data mining. We invite applications for a postdoctoral research position in experimental laser spectroscopy. The postdoctoral candidate is expected to work on laser spectroscopy of complex samples. The candidate should hold (or about to) a Doctorate degree in physics, optics, biophysics, biophotonics or a closely related field and with extensive experience in laser spectroscopic techniques. Interested candidates should send (1) their curriculum vitae, (2) a statement of research interest, and (3) arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent to: Prof. N. Melikechi, Center for Research and Education in Optical Sciences and Applications, Delaware State University, 1200 North DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901. Email: melik@desu.edu  Review of applications will begin December 4, 2006.  Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Postdoctoral Research Opportunities.  Laser Applications Group, National Institute of Standards and Technology.  We would like to call your attention to postdoctoral research opportunities with the Laser Applications Group at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, located just outside Washington, D.C.  The group emphasizes interdisciplinary research in selected areas of biophysics, photochemistry, spectroscopy, and optics.  We are looking for enthusiastic postdocs to design and implement projects in several areas, including the measurement of the near-field optical properties of nanometer-scale structures; femtosecond laser studies of dynamical processes in liquids, solids, and at interfaces; and linear and nonlinear light-scattering interactions as probes of surface and interfacial structure. Present hot topics include:  · NSOM studies of biological membranes and optoelectronic polymers; · Single molecule studies of antisense interactions in RNA; · new techniques for single molecule measurement and manipulation; · Terahertz time and frequency-domain spectroscopy and low-frequency Raman spectroscopy of biological molecules; · SERS of biological molecules absorbed on magnetic nanoparticles; · polarized optical imaging for medical applications · grating scatterometry for photolithography characterization Additional information about the group and about NIST is available on our web pages at http://physics.nist.gov/lag  Positions will be filled through the NIST-National Research Council postdoctoral program, which is a competitive program open to U.S. citizens. The starting salary is $60,000 and there are government health, relocation, and other benefits.  The research of a NIST-NRC postdoc in our group may be in any experimental or theoretical area listed on the accompanying sheets. These descriptions are based on a booklet, available from the NRC, which lists all postdoctoral research opportunities at NIST.  Application forms and more information on the NIST-NRC program are available on request from NRC, telephone number (202) 334-2760, and at http://www7.nationalacademies.org/rap/Cover_Page_Application_Information_links.html

The deadline for completing applications for this annual competition is February 1, 2007; the starting date for the two-year fellowships is July 2007 through January 2008.  Prospective postdocs are encouraged to contact us immediately to discuss research and proposal topics.  They may call Kimberly Briggman, Thom Germer, Lori Goldner, Ted Heilweil, Angela Hight Walker, Jeeseong Hwang, Keith Lykke, David Plusquellic, or Ping Shaw at (301) 975-2358, -2876, -3792, -2370, -2155, -4580, -3216, -3896, or -4416, respectively.  Polarized Light Scattering and Imaging:  We are developing polarized light scattering methods as tools for improving the optical characterization of defects in materials. Applications include the characterization of light scattering by particles, subsurface defects, and roughness on or near silicon wafers, magnetic media, optical mirrors, gratings, dielectric layers, paint coatings, patterned devices, and biological tissue. Model systems are used to establish the validity of theoretical models and to establish the limits of application of the methods. Recent experimental results have verified theoretical predictions that the polarization of diffusely scattered light can indicate the source of light scattering or quantify two sources of scatter. These results have resulted in improvements in defect sensitivity and classification in a number of assembly-line applications. Much of our current work is focused on applying the technique to biomedical applications.  For example, we have found that details of surface and subsurface skin structure can be enhanced by performing polarimetric analysis in an imaging mode.  Resources: A goniometric optical scatter instrument with ultraviolet and visible laser light sources for measurement of bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) with polarization analysis and out-of-plane scattering capabilities; a scanning multi-detector polarized light scattering instrument; Stokes imaging polarimeter; and expertise in first principles modeling of light-scattering materials and surfaces.  Contact:  Thomas Germer  mailto:tgermer@nist.gov  http://physics.nist.gov/Divisions/Div844/staff/Gp6/germer.html  301-975-2876  Scatterometry-based Nanoscale Optical Metrology for Semiconductor Manufacturing:  Semiconductor manufacturing is increasingly nanoscale, with the current International Roadmap for Semiconductors predicting sub-45 nm features within the next five years.   The measurement of optical reflectance and diffraction from periodic test structures on the wafer (scatterometry) is an enabling technology for dimensional metrology of these small features.  Using scatterometry, the dimensions of sub-resolution lines can be determined through the collection of angle- or wavelength-resolved diffraction signatures and comparison with theoretical scattering models.  This program seeks to develop novel methods and standards for this burgeoning field.  In particular, aspects of the measurement which affect its sensitivity and accuracy are being investigated, such as the effects of: uncertainties in the optical properties of the materials, including changes in optical properties caused by fabrication of nanoscale features; line-edge, line-width, and sidewall roughness; finite illumination and grating extent; and oversimplification of the line profile.  Experimental capabilities currently exist for angle- and polarization-resolved scatterometry measurements at a number of laser wavelengths, with unique capabilities for multi-wavelength measurements of 2-dimensional structures.  We are also developing novel optical metrology techniques such as extending the capabilities of microscope-based optical measurements to sub-resolution features using back focal plane scatterometry. Theoretical capabilities include in-house developed rigorous coupled wave analysis codes for scatterometry library development and evaluation of theoretical sensitivity limits.  Proposals for expansion in either the experimental or theoretical capabilities or in the applications of the method are welcome.  Resources: A goniometric optical scatter instrument with ultraviolet and visible laser light sources with polarization analysis and out-of-plane scattering capabilities; expertise in first principles modeling of light-scattering materials and surfaces; high performance computing facility; and clean room facilities for handling optical samples.  Contact:  Thomas Germer  mailto:tgermer@nist.gov  http://physics.nist.gov/Divisions/Div844/staff/Gp6/germer.html  301-975-2876  Bio-Nanotechnology: Metrology of Nanoscale Biophotonic Materials:  Recently, many novel molecular agents and probes have been developed for their use as sensors and proximal probes of local nano-environment. The utility of these nanoscale materials including fluorescent nanocrystals (quantum dots or Qdots), nanoshells, and nanotubes has been extended towards many biomedical and bioimaging applications to achieve quantitative measurements. The current challenge for the application of these novel probes for quantitative imaging application is to characterize and model the unique optical properties of these nanoscale materials, and quantify how biochemical environments change these properties. We are developing and utilizing new measurement platforms and standards to characterize and model the unique optical properties of these nanoscale materials in a controlled environment for their applications as quantitative biosensors and detectors.  Optical Metrology of Single Qdots. Recently, the fluorescent properties of Qdots have been observed to be strongly dependent on their immediate nano-environment, which can induce spectral shifts, blinking, and intensity variations. To assess precisely on how the functionalization of the Qdot surface affect these optical properties, we are developing a combined chemical force microscopy and fluorescence simultaneously to assess surface functionalities and optical characteristics of single functionalized Qdots.  Nanocomplex Sensors and Detectors to Target Pathogens. In a time of bioterrorism threats, it is necessary to have new methods to target and detect specific biological pathogens and toxins with high accuracy and sensitivity. Our approach involves bioengineering of bacteriophage-Qdot nanocomplexes that can target specific strain(s) of pathogens. We are currently extending this approach in an effort to develop phage-Qdot nanocomplexes as a generic tool to enable quantitative detection of specific biological pathogens from clinical or environmental isolates.  Nanoscale Molecular Delivery Systems. Novel approaches for the delivery of nanomaterials into complex biological systems are needed for biochemical and biomedical applications including single cell diagnostics, drug targeting and delivery, and tumor imaging and diagnostics. We are developing and evaluating techniques to manufacture nanoscale molecular delivery systems such as liposomes capable of packaging and transporting nanocrystals, and carbon nanotubes delivering biomolecules into cells. We are currently employing a variety of measurement platforms and fluorescence imaging techniques including Qdot-based Föster resonance energy transfer, total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy, confocal fluorescence microscopy, and real-time polarization modulation microscopy. More information can be found at our Web site, http://physics.nist.gov/Divisions/Div844/staff/Gp6/jch.html   Contact: Jeeseong Hwang, (301) 975-4580, jeeseong.hwang@nist.gov  Chemical Sensor Microscopy:  We are developing chemical sensor microscopy with the ability to map chemical heterogeneity with nanoscale resolution. In particular, we are building a proficiency in the use of functionalized Atomic Force Microscopy (f-AFM) probes, which present an attractive means of performing nanometer scale chemical imaging on various samples such as polymer samples, next-generation lithography materials, biomimetic materials, and biological membranes. In f-AFM, conventional AFM probes or carbon nanotube probes are modified to provide a well-defined surface chemistry at the probe tip. In either case, we produce probe tips covered by particular chemical groups. These functional groups (e.g., CH3, NH2, COOH, or more exotic biological molecules) produce interactions between the probe and specimen surface that reflect the known tip chemistry and the local chemistry of the sample. By harnessing these interactions, f-AFM images, generated by scanning the probe tip over the sample surface, are used to map spatial changes in the specimen chemistry with nanometer resolution. Current projects are being pursued through a highly multidisciplinary approach involving development of f-AFM probe functionalization protocols, including: rigorous characterization of f-probes; fabrication of a comprehensive set of calibration samples; and development of f-AFM techniques that provide reliable, reproducible image contrast related directly to sample chemistry. Currently available resources and expertise are as follows: nanoscale characterization of advanced materials systems using high-resolution imaging techniques such as Atomic Force Microscopy, Near-Field Scanning Optical Microscopy, and nanoindentation; nanoscale characterization of surfaces and interfaces using sum frequency generation and fluorescence confocal microscopy; high-throughput adhesion measurements and combinatorial gradient library methods; and biomaterials research. More information can be found at our Web site, http://physics.nist.gov/lag/Divisions/Div844/staff/Gp6/jch.html  Contact: Jeeseong Hwang, (301) 975-4580, jeeseong.hwang@nist.gov  Near-Field Optical Microscopy and Spectroscopy:  Near-field optics utilizes nanoscopic probes and interactions to achieve an optical resolution beyond the diffraction limit. We have developed and employed near-field scanning optical microscopy to study nanoscale structures and dynamics in thin films and on surfaces. Our recent studies involve nanocharacterization of organic thin films and polymer blends, biological and biomimetic membranes in liquid, and organic electronic materials. Current investigations include the study of phase separation or pattern formation in self-assembling polymer blends and the measurement of molecular alignment in nanoscale domains of thin films of polymer materials. We are currently developing a measurement platform that focuses on the study of near-field interactions between photons from nanoscale light sources (e.g., quantum dots, organic dyes, fluorescent proteins) and material excitations (e.g., plasmons, excitons) in nanomaterials (e.g., nanocrystals, nanoshells, nanotubes), which involve the use of high-resolution microscopy and spectroscopy employing metallic scattering probes. Available equipment consists of a facility to manufacture NSOM probes, two near-field microscopes, a combined confocal-NSOM system, and a visible and Raman spectrometer. More information can be found at our Web site, http://physics.nist.gov/Divisions/Div844/staff/Gp6/jch.html  Contact: Jeeseong Hwang, (301) 975-4580, jeeseong.hwang@nist.gov  or Lori Goldner (301) 975-3792, lori.goldner@nist.gov  Single Molecule Photophysics:  In recent years, measurement of fluorescence intensity, lifetime, and polarization anisotropy of single molecules has been used to elucidate the motion of molecular motors, follow single enzymatic reactions, and monitor the conformational changes of individual proteins and nucleic acids.  To date, all of these studies use various fluorescent probes (dyes) that are bound to a molecule of interest.  The use of linker-attached dyes has many limitations, related to both the photophysics of the dyes and perturbation caused by the linker.  We are interested in identifying and characterizing alternatives to linker-attached dyes, including nanoparticles, novel organic molecules, and composites.  One alternative we have been investigating is ultraviolet (UV) fluorescent pteridine nucleoside analogs developed at NIH that site-specifically incorporate into DNA through a deoxyribose linkage identical to that of native DNA. Placement of these probes in a base stacked environment makes them exquisitely sensitive to changes occurring in their proximity within the DNA.  Researchers interested in developing, characterizing and applying novel fluorescent nanoparticles or dyes are encouraged to apply to this opportunity.   Existing capabilities include single molecule fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, imaging, steady state and time-resolved anisotropy, fluorescence resonance energy transfer, and lifetime measurements all with 1- or 2-photon excitation.  Contact:  Lori Goldner, (301) 975-3792, lori.goldner@nist.gov  Single Molecule Techniques:  We seek to improve upon the state-of-the-art in single molecule measurement by (1) extending the range of molecular systems that can be studied on an individual basis, (2) developing new tools or techniques (experimental and analytical) for elucidating individual molecular interactions and (3) improving the accuracy of existing single molecule measurement techniques.  Recent work has involved new modalities for isolating and confining single molecular complexes [Appl. Phys. Lett. 89, 013904 (2006)], characterization of new classes of dyes for use in single molecule studies [Journal of Physical Chemistry, B 108 (39) 15293-15300 (2004).] and development of an accurate understanding of single molecular-pair FRET for dyes base-stacked on RNA.  We are interested in both experimental and analytical techniques and would be particularly interested in applicants who have expertise in information theory as applied to the analysis of single molecule data.  Contact: Lori Goldner, (301) 975-3792, lori.goldner@nist.gov  Optical Studies of Individual Biomolecular Complexes  Interactions of nucleic acids with proteins are ubiquitous in nature and represent a very large class of biomolecular interactions.   To Observing an individual molecular complex means that the complex must be immobilized or otherwise confined to an observation volume – since traditional techniques for doing this involve tethering one member of the complex to a surface, in general only long-lived complexes have been studied on an individual basis.  However the vast majority of nucleic acid/protein interactions are transient in nature, and these can be difficult or impossible to study on an individual basis.  We have introduced a technique that facilitates the study of transiently interacting complexes and are applying it to RNA/protein and DNA/protein complexes.  We use hydrosomes – optically trappable sub-femtoliter aqueous containers – to mix and confine the elements of a complex in a confocal observation volume [Appl. Phys. Lett. 89, 013904 (2006)].  Currently we are involved in collaborations to study RNA kissing complex/protein interactions as well as several different DNA/protein systems using hydrosome encapsulation for complex confinement.   Contact:  Lori Goldner, (301) 975-3792, lori.goldner@nist.gov  Femtosecond Condensed-Phase Transient Spectroscopy:  Ultrashort laser pulses are used to observe fast molecular and electronic processes occurring in the condensed phase and at interfaces. We have developed unique femtosecond infrared spectroscopic techniques to study the dynamics of excited electrons on semiconductors, chirped-pulse excitation of vibrational overtone states, vibrational energy transfer, photochemical reaction mechanisms, and the rates of hydrogen bond formation and rupture.  These measurements identify transient species and determine energy transfer rates that serve to improve models of condensed-phase chemistry and biochemistry.  We are also developing time-resolved far infrared (THz) spectroscopic techniques to directly probe semiconductor and solid-state phonon dynamics.  Additional measurement applications for terahertz pulses may include radar-like sensing, dimensional metrology, and time-dependent spectroscopy of biological systems. Current collaborations and projects include measurement of molecular isomerization, catalytic reaction mechanisms, and photonic switches.  Resources: Femtosecond laser systems (20 Hz and kHz) for generating ultrafast pulses in the far IR to UV; infrared and visible multichannel detector arrays and instrumentation for capturing transient spectra of samples with individual laser pulses.  Contact:  Ted Heilweil          mailto:edwin.heilweil@nist.gov  http://physics.nist.gov/Divisions/Div844/staff/Gp6/heilweil.html  301-975-2370  Ultrafast Terahertz Spectroscopy and Imaging:  We explore the low frequency dynamics of model species for proteins and DNAs and plan to employ mid- and far-infrared (THz) time-resolved spectroscopies to directly monitor low frequency, concerted motions of small proteins and DNA oligomers.  Such measurements will extract protein folding rates and determine mechanisms responsible for DNA oligomer hydrogen-bonding, surface interactions and helix dynamics. These investigations use state-of-the-art pulsed THz generation and detection methods including ZnTe nonlinear crystals for broadband spectroscopic determinations and imaging of molecular species.  Application of solid state DFT and molecular dynamics modeling techniques are used for identifying molecular motions responsible for observed THz spectra.  Resources: Femtosecond laser systems (20 fs oscillator and kHz Ti:sapphire/OPAs) generating ultrafast pulses in the far-IR through UV; infrared and visible multichannel detector arrays and instrumentation for capturing transient spectra and upconverted images of samples.  Contact:  Ted Heilweil  mailto:edwin.heilweil@nist.gov  http://physics.nist.gov/Divisions/Div844/staff/Gp6/heilweil.html  301-975-2370  Magneto-Raman Microscopy:  The effects of an externally applied magnetic field on the structure and magnetic properties of molecules are investigated. The measurements are carried out over a wide range of temperatures (T = 4.2K to 300K) and magnetic fields (B = 0 to 8 Tesla) using a new magneto-Raman confocal microscope system.   Present interests include carbon nanotubes, especially low frequency modes and biomolecules with metal ligands such as ferritin.  Raman cross-sections can also be enhanced by magnetic cobalt nanoparticles coated with gold for both increased enhanced and compatibility. Magnetic nanoparticles have many biomedical applications in drug delivery and targeting, implant guidance, directing of contrast agents, and cell and biomolecule separation. Magneto-Raman spectroscopy offers a unique measurement tool to study detailed structural changes of molecules with varying temperatures and magnetic field strengths.  Resources: Raman microscope, triple grating monochromator, cryostat, super conducting magnet, HeNe, Ar ion, and Ti:Sapphire lasers.  Contact:   Angela Hight Walker  mailto:angela.hightwalker@nist.gov  http://physics.nist.gov/Divisions/Div844/staff/Gp6/hight.html  301-975-2155  Single-Molecule, Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) of Biological Molecules  Research efforts are underway to characterize biological molecules with Raman spectroscopy. Specific examples of projects include participation in the large NIST-wide program entitled, Single-Molecule Manipulation and Measurement (SM3), which is charged with developing methods to measure and control single, biological molecules. The optical characterization of single biological molecules using vibrational spectroscopy supplies critical, detailed structural information unavailable through fluorescent measurements. To observe Raman-active vibrational modes from a single biomolecule, enhancements of the scattering cross-section on the order of 1014 to 1015 need to be obtained. Such enhancement factors are possible when metallic nanoparticles of silver or gold are placed in close proximity to the molecule, either in solution or on a surface. We implement a combination of Raman microscopy and microfluidic technology to monitor the vibrational spectra of biomolecules while rapidly changing the buffer environment to induce conformational changes.  Also, Raman spectroscopy is used to query the structure of membrane proteins immobilized in supported, synthetic lipid bilayers. These synthetic bilayer membranes, consisting of supported bilayer membranes tethered to metal-coated nanostructures on solid substrates, are characterized via in situ Raman microscopy. The supported membrane provides a useful model for studying the structure and function of the constituents of cell membranes, and the nanostructured support enhances the Raman scattering cross-section enabling in situ structural determination to compliment IR techniques.  Another angle of our research effort focuses on the low-frequency torsional modes (<200 cm-1) of proteins and polynucleotides. This region of the spectrum is rich with dynamical and structural information. Superior Raleigh scattered-light rejection, necessary for observing these low-frequency vibrations, is achieved using a unique, triple-grating monochromator. A companion molecular modeling effort is absolutely critical due to the complexity and nascency of this spectroscopic region, and is implemented with the aid of a 6-node UNIX cluster and computational software. The combination of this effort, with both its experimental and theoretical sections, with the complementary CW Terahertz Spectroscopy effort described below, greatly increases our ability to assign torsional vibrational modes to the flexibility of the biological molecule, which is critical to its ability to fold and function.  Resources: Raman microscope, triple grating monochrometer, cryostat, super conducting magnet, HeNe, Ar ion, and Ti:Sapphire lasers, 8 Tesla magnet, cryostat.  Contact:  Angela Hight Walker  mailto:angela.hightwalker@nist.gov  http://physics.nist.gov/Divisions/Div844/staff/Gp6/hight.html   301-975-2155  Continuous-Wave Terahertz Spectroscopy of Biomolecules:  High-resolution continuous-wave terahertz (THz) spectroscopy is being used to investigate gas and condensed phase biomolecular systems. THz radiation interrogates the lowest frequency vibrational modes of a biomolecule. These modes characterize the incipient motions for the large scale conformational changes along the torsional degrees of freedom responsible for the flexibility of protein, polynucleotide and polysaccharide backbones. The photomixer-based THz spectrometer has been used to probe the lowest-frequency vibrational modes of several members of vitamin B-complex family including riboflavin, pantothenic acid and biotin and numerous co-solvated peptide crystals including a series of hydrophilic and hydrophobic dipeptide nanotubes. We are currently incorporating improved THz sources and detectors to enhance the absorption sensitivity for peptides and proteins in thin films and aqueous environments. Theoretical models have been developed to predict the THz absorption spectra based on both classical mechanics models like CHARMm and quantum models using density functional theory. Finally, high-resolution methods are being developed for measurements of atmospheric molecules, chem/bio agents and peptide ions important in the mass spectrometry of proteomes.  Resources: CW Ti:Sapphire laser (700nm  1000nm, 350 nm  500nm). Diode laser/amplifier, Bolometer, and FTIR spectrometer.   Contact: David Plusquellic  mailto:david.plusquellic@nist.gov  http://physics.nist.gov/Divisions/Div844/staff/Gp6/plusquellic.html  301-975-3896  Linear/Circular Dichroism and UV Absorption Spectroscopy of Biomolecules:  The chiral purity (presence of only one handedness) of biological messenger molecules and surface cell receptors within the body results in often dramatic physiological selectivity with respect to the handedness of chiral pharmaceuticals.  This handed selectivity can range from simply affecting potency to altering the beneficial vs. toxic effect for different chiralities of the same drug. Despite such importance, however, the molecular physics underlying such selectivity often remains obscure. Of fundamental importance is the ability to determine the three-dimensional structure of chiral molecules through measurements of the rotation of linearly polarized light and/or the differential absorption of left vs right circularly polarized light. We have developed cavity ring-down and optical waveguide methods to probe with sub-monolayer sensitivity the UV absorption and linear dichroism of chiral molecules at fused silica interfaces. Instrumentation is currently under development to measure the circular dichroism of surface-immobilized peptides in lipid bilayers.  Resources:  Injection-seeded Nd:YAG lasers, CW UV laser (350nm  275nm), EOM, AOM, photoelastic modulator, polarization-resolving optics and digital scopes.  Contact: David Plusquellic  mailto:david.plusquellic@nist.gov  http://physics.nist.gov/Divisions/Div844/staff/Gp6/plusquellic.html  Radiometry from the Ultraviolet to the Infrared Using Lasers and Synchrotron Radiation:  We have two advanced sources for radiometry. The first (laser based) source generates tunable high-power output from the ultraviolet (UV) to the infrared (IR). This narrow-band laser output is directed into an integrating sphere to make a large-area, uniform, monochromatic Lambertian source for calibrating filter-detector packages and other sensors. The goal is to use current cw laser technology to cover as much of the electromagnetic spectrum as possible.  We have also begun to use state-of-the-art mode-locked systems for radiometry.  The second, synchrotron-radiation based source, is NIST’s Synchrotron Ultraviolet Radiation Facility (SURF III). This source of absolutely calculable radiation is useful for source and detector calibration from the far-UV through the far-IR. A large effort has been devoted to characterizing synchrotron radiation to ensure accurate radiation output predicted by the theory governing synchrotron radiation based on electrodynamics and relativity. We study the spectral flux, angular spread, and polarization with a goal to establish SURF III as a national standard light source.  In addition, driven by increasing demand from the photolithography industry for making smaller and faster microelectronics devices using ultraviolet lithography (193 nm and 157 nm), another research area is aimed at characterizing optical materials and novel detectors throughout the UV region. Both of these sources for radiometry (the lasers and the synchrotron) can be used for basic science if a suitable problem is presented.  Resources:  Ar-ion laser, 2 doubled Nd:Vanadate pump lasers, 2 Vanadate pump lasers, many Ti:Sapphire lasers and dye laser systems, 2 PPLN OPO systems, LBO OPO system, MIRA/OPO mode-locked system, integrating spheres, 2 synchrotron beam lines for radiometry.  Contact:  Ping-Shine Shaw  mailto:shaw@nist.gov          http://physics.nist.gov/Divisions/Div844/div844.html  301-975-4416 or Keith Lykke mailto:lykke@nist.gov  http://physics.nist.gov/Divisions/Div844/div844.html  301-975-2316

Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer.  Ostendo Technologies.  Position Description: Ostendo Technologies, Inc. is seeking a Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer. The individual will be responsible for developing Light Engine technology in an Optical Systems Engineering R&D group. Responsibilities include developing optics packaging and mechanical enclosures for microdisplay based projection systems, intellectual property development, designing new product lines and applying DFM and DFA principles to improve existing products.  Experience transitioning prototypes to high volume manufacturing.  This candidate will be an essential team member in bringing a novel display system design from early stages through production.  Design opto-mechanical components such as lens housing and packaging for optical based components with consideration to cost, quality, reliability, manufacturability, and functionality.  Ensure product is designed to meet customer's use model requirements for mechanics.   Skills:  Interest in applied research focused on projection optical mechanical systems.  Expertise in ProE modeling software programs and familiarity with optical design packages such as Zemax. Thermal and Finite Element Analysis skills. Participation in the integration and testing of the system.  Documentation, reporting and presentation skills important.  Demonstrated effective communication and positive teamwork skills. Familiarity with precision molded plastic design for high volume applications.  Education: BS. or MS in mechanical engineering, physics, optical engineering, or equivalent and a minimum of 7 years of experience.  Position Requirements:  BS or MS (Mechanical Engineering, Optical Eng., Physicist).  Minimum seven years experience in the optical components and system design.  Proven track record in high volume optical product development.  Experience in low cost optics manufacturing.  Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.  ProE modeling capability preferred.  Location:  San Diego.  Company:  Ostendo Technologies is a fabless manufacturer of display systems for the consumer and commercial market. To learn more about the company, please contact us.  Contacts : Joaquin Silva, President & COO, (760)710-3041, joaquin@ostendotech.com  Ying-Moh Liu, Director of Opt. Eng., (760)710-3046, Yingmoh@ostendotech.com