Watt's Up

College of Optical Sciences News for April 12, 2007

 

Today's Pre-Colloquium Celebration

 

From Gail Varin.  You are cordially invited to join us in celebration of the College of Optical Sciences’ 2007 Outstanding Graduate Student Award to be presented to Pouria Valley this afternoon in the new West Wing Lobby at 3:30 p.m.  The refreshment reception will be followed by an award ceremony and then by our Thursday afternoon Colloquium.

 

Pouria Valley was selected to receive the award on the strength of his willingness to seek new challenges and opportunities and to accept responsibility over and above his academic, research, and outreach activities. 

 

Pouria's service credits include two years as the first President of UA's SPIE student chapter, two turns as OSC's student representative at SPIE conferences, and service as a lecturer in Arizona Youth University's Optical Sciences Summer Camp.  His list of honors and awards includes a First Prize Award at UA's Student Showcase in November 2006, a UA Super Achiever Graduate Student Certificate in all-around activities in August, 2006, and an SPIE Educational Scholarship, also in August, 2006.

 

Pouria’s faculty advisor is Professor Nasser Peyghambarian. The Optical Sciences Outstanding Graduate Student Award is new this year and Pouria is the first student to receive it. Congratulations, Pouria!

 

Today's Colloquium -- April 12, 2007 -- 3:30 p.m. -- Meinel 307

 

Speaker:

Roger Angel
University of Arizona

Title:

Optics to Mitigate Global Warming

Host:

Jose Sasian

Abstract:

China puts into operation one 1 GW coal fired power station every week.  To make a significant impact on global warming, photovoltaic systems to harvest 5 square miles of sunlight would have to be built every week.  Architectural float glass is already made at more than this rate, and could be turned into lens or mirror arrays.  Concentration at ~ 1000 suns would allow photovoltaic cell area to be reduced by the same factor.  Transmission of solar (and wind) power across continents and the globe is needed for 24 hour cover.  Ground lines or microwave space links are both possible solutions

 

Next Week's Colloquium -- April 19, 2007 -- 3:30 p.m. -- Meinel 307

 

Speaker:

Connie Chang-Hasnain

University of California at Berkeley

Title:

Nano-Optoelectronics for Communications

Host:

Nasser Peyghambarian

Abstract:

In this talk, I will like to provide an overview of some of the projects we are working on.  Specifically, I will talk about two projects, III-V nanowire on Si and high-index contrast grating VCSEL.  Heterogeneous integration of optoelectronic active devices (diode lasers) with CMOS integrated circuits (IC) has been a subject of great interest for a couple of decades.  But solutions remained to be illusive.  The key bottleneck has been process incompatibility of the two types of material systems.  In this talk, we discuss the synthesis and characterization of III-V nanowires onto a Si substrate at low growth temperature in the range of 380~450 C using MOCVD.  The small dimension of nanowires (diameter <20 nm) enables low defect growth of active region despite a large lattice mismatch.  The low temperature growth and the large-scale manufacturability of an MOCVD system make this approach very promising.  Finally, I will discuss a VCSEL incorporating a novel high-index contrast subwavelength grating.  The HCG is less than 0.23 um thick, can provide very high reflectivity and wide bandwidth.  By integrating a movable, single-layer HCG as the VCSEL top mirror, single mode emission (SMSR >40 dB) and continuous wavelength tuning (~2.5 nm) was obtained at room temperature under CW operation. The small footprint of HCG enables the scaling down of each of the cantilever dimensions by a factor of 10, leading to 1000 times reduction in mass and increase in the mechanical resonant frequency.  Hence, a NEMO tunable VCSEL with tuning speed in the GHz range can be potentially realized.

 

New Courses: Physics 560 A and B

 

560A:  Fall 2007

Graduate Course in Condensed Matter Physics Fall 2007.  Instructor: Sumit Mazumdar. 
PHYS 560A -- Condensed Matter Physics (3 units).  Free electron model of metals; Crystal structure; Reciprocal lattice and X-ray diffraction; Band theory and Fermi surfaces; Electron dynamics, semiclassical transport theory; Quantized lattice vibrations and phonons; Semiconductors Introduction to electron-electron and electron-phonon interactions; mechanism and superconductivity.  Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course.

 

560B:  Spring 2008

Graduate Course in Condensed Matter Physics Spring 2008.  Instructor: Sumit Mazumdar
PHYS 560B -- Condensed Matter Physics (3 units).  Introduction to second quantization. Electron-electron interactions. The concept of exchange and magnetism, Heisenberg Hamiltonians, ferro and antiferromagnets. Electronphonon interactions. Metal-insulator transitions and “low-Tc” superconductivity. Strongly correlated electrons, Hubbard models etc.  Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course.

 

Kaleidoscopes for Tucson Students

 

Held yearly in conjunction with the Southern Arizona Regional Science and Engineering Fair, the Math, Science and Technology Funfest is a collaborative effort between Raytheon, the University of Arizona, IBM, Honeywell, Pima Air & Space Museum, US Expo, SciEnTeK-12, local schools, and other partners to give students a real-life perspective on diverse sciences. The Funfest features professional scientists, researchers, and students hosting more than 60 interactive and hands-on workshops to engage and stimulate students’ inquisitive nature. 

 

OSC participates in the Science Fair and the Funfest.  This year, (in alphabetical order) Tomas Avilez, Mary Lou Castillo, Kevin Erwin, Kokou Gniningan, Sara Landau, Joe McCollough, Barbara Myers, Mike Nofziger, and Joseph Ortiz taught 550 Tucson school children to make kaleidoscopes.  The children take the kaleidoscopes home after the workshop and event organizers said our booth was one of the most popular at the Funfest.

 

Click on the thumbnails for larger images.

 

Save the Date

 

Fall 2007 Written Comprehensive “Prelims” Exam

September 18 and 19, 2007

 

Sign-up in the Academic Programs Office, Meinel 403,  by August 31

 

Happy Birthday

 

April 9

 

Jared Connolly (connoljl@email.arizona.edu)

April 10

 

Mark Nimmer (marknimmer@hotmail.com)
Justin Velasco (jcv@email.arizona.edu)

April 11

 

Lawrence Burriesci (larry.burriesci@lmco.com)

April 12

 

Terry McDaniel (Terry.W.McDaniel@seagate.com)
Val Temyanko (vtemyanko@optics.arizona.edu)

April 14

 

Sara Landau (slandau@optics.arizona.edu)
Michael Savard (msavard@opticalsupport.biz)
Tim Walrath (twalrath@optics.arizona.edu)

April 15

 

Dylan Martin (dwmartin@email.arizona.edu)

April 16

 

Will Rivera (wrivera@optics.arizona.edu)

April 17

 

Yinying Xiao-li (yinyingx@email.arizona.edu)

April 18

 

George Duckett (xniglenlia@aol.com)
Brian Myer (myer@optics.arizona.edu)
Laura Thompson (laura@optics.arizona.edu)
Amy Winkler (awinkler@optics.arizona.edu)

April 19

 

Alejandra Lopez-Santiago (alejandra@optics.arizona.edu)
Amir Mach (mach@email.arizona.edu)
Kurt Thome (kurt.thome@optics.Arizona.EDU)
Rene Zehnder (rzehnder@optics.arizona.edu)

April 20

 

Ronie George (rgeorge@u.arizona.edu)
Adolf Lohmann (lohmann@nt.e.technik.uni-erlangen.de)
Stacy Munger (smgottesman@raytheon.com)

April 22

 

Weng Chow (wwchow@sandia.gov)

 


 

Watt's Happening

 

more at
http://www.optics.arizona.edu/calendar/default.htm)

 

 

April 12, 2007 -- Optical Sciences Colloquium -- 3:30 p.m. -- Meinel 307

http://www.optics.arizona.edu/Colloquium/default.htm

 

April 12, 2007 -- AME Seminar -- 4:00 p.m. -- AME Room S212

 

April 13, 2007 -- Physics Colloquium -- 2:30 p.m. -- PAS 220

 

April 13, 2007 -- OSC Sports Friday -- 5:00 p.m. -- Location is TBD

 

April 16, 2007 -- Biomedical Engineering Seminar -- 2:00 p.m. -- AHSC 5403

http://www.bme.arizona.edu

 

April 18, 2007 -- PhD Final Exam -- 2:00 p.m. -- Meinel 701
Julius Yellowhair will present Advanced Technologies for Fabrication and Testing of Large Flat Mirrors.

 

April 18, 2007 -- Wednesday Run -- 5:00 p.m. -- Meet in 3rd Floor Lobby

 

April 19, 2007 -- Optical Sciences Colloquium -- 3:30 p.m. -- Meinel 307

http://www.optics.arizona.edu/Colloquium/default.htm

 

April 19, 2007 -- AME Seminar -- 4:00 p.m. -- AME Room S212

 

April 20, 2007 -- OSC Community Speakers -- Noon -- Meinel 410

http://www.optics.arizona.edu/communityspeakers/

 

April 20. 2007 -- Physics Colloquium -- 2:30 p.m. -- PAS 220

 

April 20, 2007 -- OSC Sports Friday -- 5:00 p.m. -- Location is TBD


 

Employment Opportunities in Optics

 

more at

http://www.optics.arizona.edu/employment/nationalopenings.htm

 

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.

 

Division Leader -- Optical Technology Division.  NIST.  The NIST Physics Laboratory in Gaithersburg MD is seeking a person to lead its Optical Technology Division, an organization of about 50 full time staff and another 50-60 visiting scientists.  The Division (see www.physics.nist.gov) conducts research and provides national measurement standards and support services to advance the use and application of optical technologies spanning the vacuum ultraviolet through microwave spectral regions;  develops radiometric, photometric, and spectroscopic measurement methods and standards;  conducts research on the optical and photochemical properties of materials; develops state-of-the-art laser diagnostics for industrial, environmental, and biological processes;  and provides measurement support for industrial innovation and for national programs in solar and environmental monitoring, defense and homeland security, and health and safety.  Required is:  a Ph.D. or equivalent research experience in physics, chemistry, engineering, bioscience, or other disciplines in which optical measurements play a critical role; experience in leading an innovative technical organization and working with funding agencies;  and a record of accomplishment that merits national and international recognition.  Experience in laser spectroscopy, vuv-uv-vis-ir-terahertz radiometry and spectroscopy, color and appearance measurements, vision and imaging science, atomic/molecular spectroscopy, atomic/molecular physics, biophysics, and molecular imaging (nano-bio) is desirable.  This is a ZP-V supervisory position, salary range $116,984 - $145,400.  Apply directly on USAJOBS, www.usajobs.opm.gov; to vacancy announcement number PHY-2007-0007.   Applications must be completed between April 9 and May 17, 2007.  Incomplete applications will not be considered.   The Department of Commerce is an equal opportunity employer.  U.S citizenship is required.  Are you ready to explore your future with NIST?  An essential part of NIST's work is to anticipate the future. Fast-moving sectors like nanotechnology, biotechnology, quantum information science, homeland security, information technology, and advanced manufacturing need sophisticated technical support systems to flourish and grow. NIST provides that support by continually improving the U.S. measurement system, developing new technologies, fostering standards, and providing both the business and technical evaluation tools needed to produce quality products and organizations.  NIST recognizes two key assets: the diversity of the research programs within its multi-disciplinary structure and the diversity of the people it employs.  Both provide strength and flexibility to meet the challenges of the future. It is this combination of talent, energy, commitment, and dedication that will keep the Agency on the frontiers of science.  NIST’s mission is broad -- to promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve our quality of life.  Many onsite services are available to our employees:  free parking, child care, employee assistance, cafeterias, credit union, fitness center, and health services.  Additionally, there are employee associations that sponsor various wellness, recreation, and social activities.  For a summary of benefits available to NIST employees, go to www.nist.gov/hrmd/benefits/summarychart.htm

 

Optical Engineer -- Technical Support Department.  ZEMAX Development Corporation.  The minimum starting salary for this position is $78,000 annually plus a starting bonus and benefits. Typical activities include:  Responding to customer questions on the use of ZEMAX via email and phone.  Testing new software extensively prior to release.  Evaluating and recommending new features for future development.  Writing customized code extensions for specific customer requirements.  Teaching classes in various aspects of Optical Design Using ZEMAX.  Attending trade shows to represent ZEMAX Development Corporation.  Writing technical articles for the ZEMAX Knowledge Base and other publications.  Requirements: A B.S. or higher degree in Optical Sciences is required by May 2007.  You should be able to communicate effectively in writing and verbally, and have strong analytic and problem-solving skills.  You must be able to complete your degree and relocate to the Bellevue, Washington area by June 2007.  ZEMAX experience is helpful but not required. ZEMAX Development Corporation is based in Bellevue, WA, close to Seattle and all the amenities of the Pacific North West.  We offer a competitive salary, plus benefits including health care and a retirement plan. You must either be a US Citizen or have a legal right to work in the US.  To apply, email your resume to:  cmartinez@optics.arizona.edu  ZEMAX will be conducting interviews on Monday, April 16th at OSC. Please apply as soon as possible if you are interested. 

 

Schedule Analyst (1).  Northrop Grumman.  Company Description:  Northrop Grumman is a leader in the design and development of sophisticated space systems, microelectronics and aircraft avionics for government, international and commercial markets. Our customers know us for breakthrough thinking, adaptability, unmatched quality and the ability to meet difficult requirements with creative solutions. Our technologies are the foundation of vital national security, communications and science programs, and the building blocks for new-millennium systems that will fulfill the promise of anytime, anywhere communications.  Qualifications:  Qualified candidates will meet the following criteria:  1.  Minimum Overall GPA of a 3.0.  2.  BS/BA/Masters in Business Administration, Industrial Technology, Engineering Management, Industrial Engineering.  3.  Strong familiarity with Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.  4.  Key traits include excellent analytical, communication, presentation, and organization skills.  5.  US Citizenship is required for most positions.  Job Responsibilities:  Responsible for updating and maintaining existing Microsoft Project schedules using established planning practices (predecessor/successor relationships, minimal constraints, short duration tasks, etc.).  Coordinate with Engineering Cost Account Managers (CAMs) and technical leads to status current schedules.  Develop detailed schedules for new work, replans, work-arounds, and planning period updates under scheduling manager's supervision.  Generate schedule metrics required for program management reviews.  Develop understanding of the specific area products, i.e., know work flow, interfaces with other areas, critical path

Develop expertise in use of Microsoft Project, FastTrack, and other related scheduling tools in use on the assigned project.  Develop knowledge of effective planning practices and the ability to analyze schedule data.  Location:  Redondo Beach, CA.  To apply, send your resume to  http://careers.northropgrumman.com/ExternalHorizonsWeb/getCareerHome.do

 

Schedule Analyst (2).  Northrop Grumman.  Company Description:  Northrop Grumman is a leader in the design and development of sophisticated space systems, microelectronics and aircraft avionics for government, international and commercial markets. Our customers know us for breakthrough thinking, adaptability, unmatched quality and the ability to meet difficult requirements with creative solutions. Our technologies are the foundation of vital national security, communications and science programs, and the building blocks for new-millennium systems that will fulfill the promise of anytime, anywhere communications.  Required Skills:  Position requires some level of previous scheduling experience including MS Project skills; other project management tools (FastTrack and Pert Chart Xpert) also desirable. Preferred candidate will have an appreciation for earned value concepts and integrated cost/schedule management. Position requires proactive interface skills, strong teamwork ethics and the ability to provide surge support during critical exercises. Proficiency in standard MS Office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) is also important in this role.  Description:  This position is for a Grade 3 Schedule Analyst. Role will involve partnering with technical management and the business team to provide planning and scheduling effort to a multi-year major program. Responsibilities include ongoing maintenance and updates of integrated program schedules/plans. Job involves soliciting, analyzing and proactively challenging schedule inputs/updates. Position involves weekly and monthly updates, key role in schedule reviews, and timely reporting for program and customer reviews. Great opportunity to work within an integrated product team environment utilizing latest COTS tool and analysis methods on a major S& E program.  Year of experience:  0 - 3years.  Location: Redondo Beach, CA.  To apply, send your resume to http://careers.northropgrumman.com/ExternalHorizonsWeb/getCareerHome.do

 

Senior Optical Design Engineer.  Lightfleet Corporation.  Lightfleet Corporation is an emerging early staged company located in a suburb of Portland, OR that has invented the world’s fist free-space broadcast optical interconnect.  This patented technology is unique in that it uses broadcast light to simultaneously and continuously interconnect multiple nodes so that all nodes can see all of the data all of the time.  One of the main advantages of this interconnect technology is that for the first time the true potential of parallel computing is unleashed.  Lightfleet is actively searching to fill our Sr. Optical Design Engineer position.  The successful candidate will bring to Lightfleet their expertise in design and development of optical and electro-optical components and systems. Minimum qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Optical, or Mechanical Engineering or Physics (or equivalent).  Significant Optical design and development experience with free space optics (including micro-optics, diffractives, & HOEs) and with optical waveguides (passive and active).  Solid foundation in geometric and physical optics.  Considerable experience using commercially available optical design and modeling tools (such as Zemax, ASAP, LightTools, Code V, R-Soft, etc.).  Experience with Beam Propagation and FDTD methods.  Significant experience in working with optical characterization and metrology tools (interferometers, spectrometers, power meters, beam profilers, etc.).  Considerable background in performing optical and opto-mechanical tolerancing work and carrying out Monte-Carlo analysis.  Good understanding of Optical fabrication methods.  Familiarity with various optical and electro-optical materials.  Strong understanding of design for manufacturability and reliability.  Have worked on multiple product development cycles from concept through production.  Experience in writing technical reports and work instructions (including creating engineering drawings).  Ability to work with and manage multiple vendors simultaneously.  Ability to work both independently and in a group setting.  Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.  Current eligibility to work in the US.  Desired qualifications:   Advanced degree in Electrical, Optical, or Mechanical Engineering or Physics (or equivalent).  Familiarity with Opto-mechanical design approaches.  High speed opto-electronic testing (BER, analysis of eye diagrams).  Knowledge of computer architectures (preferred but not required).  Experience working in an early stage company.  To Apply:  If you have the skills and experience required for this position, please submit your resume to careers@lightfleet.com  Lightfleet is an equal opportunity employer.


cathy.alexander@optics.arizona.edu

University of Arizona College of Optical Sciences