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Watt's Up College of Optical Sciences News for September 20, 2007
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Colloquium Schedule
OSA's annual meeting is still in progress, so there is no Optical Sciences Colloquium today. Colloquium will resume next week, on September 27, when Stephen Goodnick will present Simulation of Ultrafast Phenomenon in Semiconductor Nanostructures. Nasser Peyghambarian is the host.
Ultrafast Gain Dynamics, Electronic Transport, and Pulse Propagation in Quantum Cascade Lasers
Tomorrow, September 21, brings a special seminar to OSC. Theodore B. Norris, Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, will present Ultrafast Gain Dynamics, Electronic Transport, and Pulse Propagation in Quantum Cascade Lasers. Abstract: Quantum cascade lasers are semiconductor devices used to generate coherent mid-infrared to terahertz radiation. In a QCL, electrons cascade through a series of quantum well active regions coupled by superlattices. In each active region, the electron emits a photon via an intersubband transition in the quantum wells. Thus, lasing in a QCL results from a close interaction between the stimulated emission process and electronic transport through the heterostructure. We have used femtosecond mid-infrared pump-probe techniques to observe directly this coupling of transport and lasing. We have observed the recovery of the gain due to electronic resonant tunneling, phonon-assisted tunneling, and superlattice transport. We have also elucidated how the stimulated emission process drives the transport (current) through the device - a process we refer to as "photon-driven transport." This process occurs even just below threshold, when there are only on the order of 100 photons in the cavity, so this constitutes an observation of the coupling of a quantum process to transport. Finally, we have also investigated the propagation of ultrashort pulses in the QCL waveguide, and have observed evidence for coherent pulse propagation effects.
Galina Khitrova and Hyatt Gibbs are the hosts.
The seminar begins at 10:30 a.m. in Meinel 821.
3D Model of Atomic Structure and Molecular Interaction and Electronics 101: Fundamentals of Low Noise and High Bandwidth Electronic Design for Performance Optical Systems
Tomorrow also brings the return of our OSC Community Speakers. This week's speakers are MS candidate Eric Aspnes and Research Associate Ram Voorakaranam.
OSC Community Speakers events are free and open to the entire university and optics communities, including OSC's students, faculty members, and staff.
The event begins at noon in Meinel 410.
The OSC Community Speakers are brought to you by the OSA/SPIE Student Optics Chapter. For more information, please visit http://www.optics.arizona.edu/students/Home.html
Jim Wyant is Elected to OSA's Presidential Chain
OSA's mission is threefold: first, to increase and diffuse the knowledge of pure and applied optics; second, to promote the common interests of optical investigators, designers, and users; and third; to promote cooperation among them. OSA officers, including those elected to the four-year presidential chain, are elected by the membership and volunteer their time and effort to to further the Society's mission and provide for its future.
No stranger to the work involved in service to professional societies, Jim's many years of volunteer work include service to SPIE as President Elect, President, and Immediate Past President. He is only the fourth person to be elected President of both OSA and SPIE, and only the second from OSC, sharing that honor with Bob Shannon. OSA's Past Presidents include all of OSC's former directors: Dick Powell, Bob Shannon, Peter Franken, and Aden Meinel. The list of OSC faculty members and alumni who have served OSA as President includes Janet Fender, Susan Houde-Walter, Arthur F. Turner, and OSA's current president, Eric Van Stryland.
Congratulations, Jim.
Tour Mt. Graham's LBT and Camp Beneath the Stars
When: Saturday, October 20th
Please RSVP: This is absolutely critical. We need to register you in advance as the LBT is a controlled-access facility.
To RSVP, please e-mail me at js0880@gmail.com I need to know:
1. How
many people total in your party
Factoids: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Graham http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/forest/recreation/camping/sites/cunningham.shtml http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Large_Binocular_Telescope
Camping equipment can be rented from the UA Rec Center at http://campusrec.arizona.edu/outdoor/equip.html
The LBT Tour and Camping Trip is brought to you by the OSA/SPIE Student Optics Chapter. For more information, please visit http://www.optics.arizona.edu/students/Home.html
T-Shirts
The black cotton shirts were designed last spring by two of our Bachelor's degree students, Kyle Fuerschbach and Byron Cocilovo, and in the picture at right are being modeled by two of our PhD candidates, Corrie Vandervlugt and Tyler Neely.
The shirts, available in unisex sizes small through xxxlarge, are available in our Academic Programs Office for $18 each. Out-of-towners, please contact Cynthia Martinez at cmartinez@optics.arizona.edu to see if it might be possible to have a shirt mailed to you.
Happy Birthday
September 24
September 25
September 26
September 27
On Campus
September 20, 2007 -- AME Seminar -- 4:00 p.m. -- AME S212 Dr. Lou Cattafesta, Interdisciplinary Microsystems Group at the University of Florida's MAE Department, will present Active Control of Separated Flow.
September 24, 2007 -- BME Seminar -- 2:00 p.m. -- Keating 103 Dr. Linda Powers, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at The University of Arizona, will present MicroBioengineering: Sensors for Microbial Contamination. Urs Utzinger is the host.
Optical Sciences Calendar
September 16 -20 -- OSA Annual Meeting and Frontiers in Optics Conference -- San Jose, CA
September 21, 2007 -- Special Seminar -- 10:30 a.m. -- Meinel 821
September 21, 2007 -- OSC Community Speakers -- Noon -- Meinel 410
September 25 and 26, 2007 -- Comprehensive Exams
September 27, 2007 -- OSC Colloquium -- 3:30 p.m. -- Meinel 307
October 5, 2007 -- Physics Special Colloquium -- 3:00 p.m. -- Meinel 307
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| Other Optics Employment
Applied Optics Scientist-Engineer. SV Solar. SVS is a development stage company well positioned for success in today’s fast growing $14B PV industry. SVS develops, manufactures and markets flat plate solar modules with internal, low level concentration. Our innovative design requires less than one half the silicon based PV cells and yet produces as much energy as standard flat plate modules. Headquartered in Santa Clara, CA, SV Solar is well funded and backed up by one of the most experienced venture capital firms in the valley. We are currently seeking an Applied Optics Scientist/Engineer who is a self starter, self driven and enthusiastic to contribute in a start-up environment. The successful candidate will play a key role in the development of future generations of the SolX technology. Responsibilities will include: Design of optical enhancements structures, Design of optical modeling and materials selection, and Interface with vendors and research institutes and building of prototypes. Job requirements are as follows: Candidate should be able to pragmatically define and execute R & D plan independently based on company’s R & D roadmap. Major emphasis will be placed on candidate’s ability to implement a technology concept and develop it to the stage where prototyping can be achieved in a manageable time frame. Candidates must have 5+ years of product design and/or applied research. MS or Ph.D. in physics or optics related field. Experience in Micro-structured optical surface design, light directional changing materials, brightness enhancement films and knowledge of blazed/diffraction grating preferred. Optical modeling expertise is a must (preferably ZEMAX). Familiarity with optical plastics (including PMMA, glass, reflective coatings) is necessary. Knowledge of PV technologies (c-Si, a-Si, modules encapsulation) is a plus but not required. We offer a competitive package consisting of a base salary, annual incentive plans and incentive stock options. For consideration, please forward your resume and salary requirements to careers@sv-solar.com or fax your CV at 408-844-9470.
Opto-Mechanical Engineer. Jet Propulsion laboratory. Job Description: As an Opto-Mechanical Engineer, you will provide engineering support to senior engineers in the design and development of space and surface opto-mechanical assemblies in support of NASA flight missions. Will be a member of a team comprised of mechanical designers, analysts and technicians to configure, design, build, test and deliver interfaces for the SIM project. Requirements: BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering or Optical Sciences. Familiarity with optomechanical design (optic mounts, optical benches, critical alignments, positioners, etc.). Familiarity with and keen interest to understand and solve optomechanical design problems, perform trade studies, develop design requirements, establish and implement mechanical interface agreements, perform detailed piece-part design and analysis, coordinate fabrication assembly and qualification of spaceflight hardware. Must possess strong communication and interpersonal skills. Working knowledge of control systems and familiarity with a high-end CAD package with stress and thermal analysis tools as applicable to opto-mechanical design desired, but not required. Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, California 91109. www.jpl.nasa.gov If you are interested in applying, please email your resume to cmartinez@optics.arizona.edu Deadline to apply is October 2, 2007. JPL will host an information session on Tuesday, October 16th at OSC. Interviews will be conducted on Wednesday, October 17th at OSC.
Optical Engineer. Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Job Description: As a member of the Interferometry and Advanced Optical Systems, you will perform component tests, assist integration and testing of interferometer prototypes. Will perform work including laser and fiber optics system setup, alignment, and design, environmental test of developed hardware, optical component selection and procurement, and lab report writing. Requirements: BS/MS/PhD in optical sciences or optical engineering. Ability to perform optical experiments and optical system analysis. Familiar with lasers, fiber optics, and optical devices. Coursework in optics, nonlinear optics and photonics. Ability to learn new programming languages and environments. Mastery of at least one programming language for lab instrument control. Able to work in a team environment with good communication skills to peers. Familiarity with standard optical design tools, i.e. Code V highly desirable, but not required. Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, California 91109. www.jpl.nasa.gov If you are interested in applying, please email your resume to cmartinez@optics.arizona.edu Deadline to apply is October 2, 2007. JPL will host an information session on Tuesday, October 16th at OSC. Interviews will be conducted on Wednesday, October 17th at OSC.
Post-Doctoral Position in Modern Optics. Friedrich Schiller University Jena. In an EU FP6 Marie-Curie Transfer-of-Knowledge project we invite applications for a two year post-doc researcher position starting as soon as possible. Research includes the theory, fabrication, characterization of linear and nonlinear photonic nanostructures as well as their application in optical signal processing and imaging. The center for »ultra optics« is a research facility of the Friedrich Schiller University Jena. As an active, internationally highly visible science center with strong links and cooperation with several institutes world-wide, the center offers excellent research opportunities in an interdisciplinary and international research group. Applicants should be highly motivated, enthusiastic individuals, capable of thinking and working in a team. Furthermore, applicants should have experience or interest in at least one of the following fields: Linear and nonlinear characterization of photonic elements, e.g. integrated optics, metamaterials, interferometry. Modeling of nano optic and micro optic structures (numerical methods, high performance computing, rigorous models). Fabrication of photonic nano and micro structures in glass, polymers, ferroelectrics, and metals. We offer a competitive salary according to the Marie-Curie standard rates: Roughly 4000 Euro per month basic allowance plus 500 to 800 Euro per month mobility allowance, depending on family status. Applicants should have a doctoral degree or four years of full-time research experience. Applicants must be nationals of EU member states, candidate states or associated countries (Swiss and EFTAnationals are also eligible). German citizens can apply only, if they have worked outside EU and associated states for at least 4 of the last 5 years, or have worked for an international organization within Germany (e.g. EU, ESA or ESO). Other international candidates can be considered in exceptional cases. For eligibility, check the EU Marie-Curie web pages or check with us. Knowledge of German language is not a pre-requisite. Qualified candidates should submit their application to one of the following: Prof. Thomas Pertsch, Center »ultra optics«, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Faculty for Physics and Astronomy, Max Wien Platz 1, 07743 Jena, Germany, thomas.pertsch@uni-jena.de Phone: +49 3641 9 47 840. Prof. Andreas Tünnermann, Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering, Albert-Einstein-Str. 7, 07745 Jena, Germany, andreas.tuennermann@iof.fhg.de Phone: +49 3641 807201. Prof. Falk Lederer, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Faculty for Physics and Astronomy, Max Wien Platz 1, 07743 Jena, Germany, falk.lederer@uni-jena.de Phone: +49 3641 947170. Further information can be found on the center’s website at: www.ultra-optics.org. Applications are permanently considered until a suitable candidate is found.
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Eric
Aspnes will present 3D Model of Atomic Structure and Molecular
Interaction. Abstract: In this presentation I will
demonstrate a novel, hands-on, visual model of how electrons and
nuclei interact to create atoms and how these atoms interact to
create molecules. This model employs kinetic energy to a
greater extent than any previous model allowing for a greater
intuitive understanding of atomic structure.
Ram
Voorakaranam will present Electronics 101: Fundamentals of Low
Noise and High Bandwidth Electronic Design for Performance Optical
Systems. Abstract: Optical techniques are today
ubiquitous. Optical methods allow extremely sensitive detection of
physical variables, imaging of nanoscale features, observation of
ultra short duration phenomena, and transmission of large amounts of
information that is often not possible through electrical or other
means. However, such high performance optical systems cannot be
fully implemented or characterized without careful attention to the
design of accompanying electronics and test instrumentation. In this
talk, I will present some fundamental aspects of electronic design
for low-noise and high bandwidth optical systems, test and
measurement of such systems, data acquisition options, and signal
processing techniques that can be used to extract signals buried in
noise. 
OSA,
the Optical Society of America, announced on Monday that OSC's Dean,
Jim Wyant, has been elected to their presidential chain. He
will serve as Vice-President in 2008, President Elect in 2009,
President in 2010 and Immediate Past President in 2011.
From
Justin Sweet. The time has arrived for the 2nd annual
Large Binocular Telescope Tour and Camping Trip! Come see the
WORLD'S LARGEST steerable telescope on top of the 10,720 ft. sky
island of Mt. Graham. The twin 8.4 m primary mirrors were fabricated
right here in UA;s football stadium! Come up just for the day
and see the LBT, or stay the night and camp with your fellow Op Sci
students, staff and faculty.
ZEMAX
Development Corporation is looking to recruit an Optical
Engineer to work in the Technical Support department. The
minimum starting salary for this position is $80,000
annually plus benefits. Typical activities include: