Watt's Up

College of Optical Sciences News for January 17, 2008

Retirement Celebration for Rick Shoemaker

You are cordially invited to join us at a retirement celebration for Richard Shoemaker on Friday, January 18, from 3:00 p.m. to  5:00 p.m.  Talks and presentations will be held in Meinel 307, followed by a reception in Meinel 821.

 Spring is Almost Here, So It's Time to Think About Prelims

Spring 2008 Comprehensive Exam

February 12 and 13

Sign-up in the Academics Office, Meinel 403, before January 30

Announcing the CGH/DOE Workshop in March

From Tom Milster.  Dear Colleagues:  It is my pleasure to invite you to the March 17-21, 2008, Computer Generated Holography and Diffractive Optical Element (CGH/DOE) Workshop at the College of Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona.  This year, our program has three emphasis areas: DOEs, CGHs, and optical testing using DOEs.  The lectures are complimented by a significant amount of laboratory time, where students design, fabricate and test their own elements.  The last day to get an SPIE discount is February 15.  Also, this year there are approximately 10 student scholarships available.  Please contact Tom Milster milster@arizona.edu  for details.  Please see the following web site for more information.  http://www.optics.arizona.edu/milster/CGH WORKSHOP/CGH Workshop Main Page.htm

W2 Forms for OSC Employees

2007 W-2 forms are available in the OSC Accounting office, Meinel 641.  Please bring a valid picture ID when coming to pick up your W-2.   Any W-2’s remaining on January 31, 2008 will be mailed to the most current address on file with the UA Payroll System.  

National Security Innovation Competition

From Roger P. Neeland, NSIC Competition Director.  The Colorado Homeland Defense Alliance and Colorado Springs Technology Incubator are again sponsoring the National Security Innovation Competition for college students. The Competition will be held in Colorado Springs, Colorado on May 2, 2008.

The purpose of this competition is to stimulate interest by college students in national security related innovations and expose novel technologies to a broad audience including industry, academic, and government organizations involved in aerospace, defense, security, and first responder activities. Unlike traditional business plan competitions, the goal is not for students to demonstrate how they will exploit the opportunity. Instead, students should apply critical analytical skills to determine why a new technology has the potential to meet an identifiable market need. While the technology may originate from anywhere (as long as it is original), it is expected that the vast majority will come from university and government laboratory discoveries. Therefore, technology transfer offices serve as great sources for ideas for this competition. The technology must not currently be licensed to any business.

The first prize is $2000 and the opportunity for exposure of your research to the National Security community.  The deadline to apply is April 21.

The areas of interest include any technologies related to national defense. Some examples might include: Advanced materials, Biological/chemical detection and defense, Crisis management/ command & control systems/ software, Unmanned/Remotely operated vehicles, Targeting, navigation, positioning technologies, Communications technologies, Biometrics/ bioinformatics, Sensors, Photonics, or Weapons.

Please contact me if you have questions.   Roger P. Neeland, Ph.D., PMP, NSIC Competition Director.  Colorado Springs Technology Incubator/Colorado Homeland Defense Alliance.  Phone 719-685-7877 ext 119.  Cell 719-963-8261.  www.CSTIonline.org  To learn more about the competition, please visit www.coloradohda.org 

OSC Calendar

January 17

Edmund Optics Info Session.  4:30 p.m.  Meinel 821

January 18

Retirement Celebration for Rick Shoemaker

Sports Friday, Ultimate Frisbee on the Mall at 5:30

January 19 through 24

SPIE Photonics West

January 21

No classes.  Holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King

January 22

Alumni Reunion Reception

January 31

OSC Colloquium

February 12 and 13

Comprehensive Exams

February 25 through 29

Industrial Affiliates Workshop

Happy Birthday and Best Wishes for a Wonderful Year

January 20

Chang Oh (cjoh@optics.arizona.edu)

January 21

Nick Bielat (nbielat@email.arizona.edu)

Roxanne Pizano (rpizano@optics.arizona.edu)

January 22

Bob Parks (reparks@optiper.com)

Babak Saif (saif@stsci.edu)

Bryan Watmore (bwatmore@optics.arizona.edu)

January 23

Shisen Du (sdu@optics.arizona.edu)

Scott Lilley (lilley98@email.arizona.edu)

Allison MacPherson (allison@optics.arizona.edu)

January 24

Zachary Dowson (zrdowson@email.arizona.edu)

Steven Hubbard (shubbard@email.arizona.edu)

January 25

Peter Bartels (peter@catalina.opt-sci.arizona.edu)

Masud Mansuripur (masud@optics.arizona.edu)

January 26

Leonard Brown

On Campus

January 18 at 3:00 p.m.  Physics Colloquium.  Professor Erich Poppitz ,University of Toronto, Canada will be the first guest speaker of the Physics Colloquium Series.  The schedule is as follows:  3:00 pm: Guest speaker, Prof. Erich Poppitz , PAS 220.  4:00 pm: Refreshment in PAS 218.  There will be no graduate student talk this week.  Title:  The wonders of supersymmetry: from quantum mechanics, topology, and noise, to (maybe) the LHC.  Abstract:  Supersymmetry is a quantum-mechanical symmetry relating bosons and fermions. It was discovered more than 35 years ago in quantum field theory and string theory, but the seeds of its ``miraculous" properties can be seen already in quantum mechanics. This talk introduces supersymmetry via the supersymmetric (an-)harmonic oscillator. We shall see that this seemingly trivial example is sufficiently rich to allow us to illustrate how supersymmetry is used in a variety of fields: from mathematics and elementary particle physics to critical phenomena and stochastic dynamics. 

January 23 at 4:00 p.m.  SEDS Meeting.  SEDS, the Students for the Exploration and the Development of Space, first general meeting is on Wednesday, Jan 23 at 4 PM. It will be held in the Steward Observatory in room N305. New members will meet the officers and old members as well as hear about the events we plan to have for the rest of the spring and summer, such as trips, projects, fundraising, and out-reaching to the public. There will be free pizza afterwards.

January 28 at 2:00 p.m. Special ACMS Seminar .  Where: 8th Floor Conference Room, College of Optical Sciences.  Title:  High-performance optically pumped GaSb-based semiconductor disk lasers in the 2.Xμm wavelength regime.  Abstract:  Optically pumped semiconductor disk lasers (OPSDLs) combine the wavelength versatility and efficiency of diode lasers with the capability of a high output power emitted in a circular, nearly diffraction-limited beam which is generally attributed to solid-state lasers. This favorable combination of properties has stimulated considerable current research and development activities in this class of lasers - mainly focused on GaInAs-based OPSDLs that emit at wavelengths around 1 μm or in the visible spectral range. However, at wavelengths between 2 and 3 μm there is also considerable demand for compact and versatile high-brightness lasers, e.g. for medical applications, material processing or security applications. The (AlGaIn)(AsSb) materials system is considered best suited to realise OPSDLs in this wavelength range, and in this presentation, an overview of recent development and achievements for 2.Xμm OPSDLs will be given. Both barrier pumped OPSDL (using 980 nm laser diodes as pump source) and in-well pumped OPSDL (using 1.96 μm pump radiation) have been fabricated and characterized. Using diamond or as an alternative SiC intracavity heatspreader, multiple-watt CW-output powers have been achieved (e.g. >3W at 2.3 μm and >5W at 2.0 μm), with power efficiencies in the range of 18 % – 25 %. For an optimised resonator setup, the beam profile is close to the diffraction limit with M2 values around 1.2; and even for the highest power levels, M2 is in the range of 2-5.

Optics Employment Opportunities

Please visit our optics employment Web site at

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

Video Controller.  College of Optical Sciences.  UA.  For distance education courses.  This would be a great opportunity to preview graduate courses you may be taking in the future.  No experience necessary, training will be provided.  The following times are needed:  Tuesday/Thursday 8:00 – 9:15, 9:30 – 10:45, 12:30 – 1:45, and 2:00 – 3:15.  If you are interested and any of the above times will work with your schedule, please contact Cindy Robertson at 626-4719 or cindyr@optics.arizona.edu

Graduate Research Assistant Opening.  Department of Radiology.  UA.  The Experimental Ultrasound and Neural Imaging Laboratory in the Department of Radiology has an immediate opening for a Graduate Research Assistant in the field of biomedical imaging. Research involves developing cutting-edge technology in ultrasound and optics for biomedical applications.  Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) is based on the optical absorption of a short laser pulse, leading to thermoelastic expansion and generation of acoustic waves.  These acoustic waves are collected by ultrasound receivers to form an image. Noninvasive PAI benefits from high optical contrast, excellent depth penetration and sub-mm spatial resolution. Potential biomedical applications range from brain imaging to prostate cancer.       We especially seek a dedicated PhD student with strong engineering skills. Experience with C/C++/Matlab, instrumentation, optics and/or ultrasound would be particularly useful for this project.  Please send the following items to rwitte@radiology.arizona.edu in .pdf format and use "GRA Inquiry SPR 2008" in the subject line: 1.      Curriculum Vitae including relevant coursework.  2.      Contact information for at least two references.  3.      Essay (~½ page) describing qualifications, research interests and career goals.  For inquiries, contact Dr. Russell Witte at rwitte@radiology.arizona.edu  http://www.radiology.arizona.edu/research/ultra/ultra.htm

Centre Manager.  Centre for Advanced Photonics and Process Analysis.  As part of the strategic expansion of its applied research programme, Cork Institute of Technology has recently been awarded a research grant by Enterprise Ireland for the establishment of the Centre for Advanced Photonics and Process Analysis (CAPPA). The CAPPA centre aims to develop research and development in the area of photonics to support both the SMEs and multinationals based in the Cork region. Cork Institute of Technology is seeking applications from highly motivated individuals.  The successful candidate will be a high profile researcher with a strong record of leadership in applied research in a relevant area of optics or photonics. S/he will have extensive experience of working in or with industry. S/he should have experience in managing the technical and financial aspects of research projects. S/he should have good communication, inter-personal and networking skills. S/he should have experience in filing patents, peer-review and conference publications. As the role is a senior position, the candidate should have experience in applied research project management, and a strong track record in creating value from research (i.e. patents and/or start-up companies). A PhD is desirable.  The successful candidate will be responsible for the R&D of the centre. S/he will engage with industry, national and international funding agencies, the Institute and other research centres to ensure the sustainability of the centre.  S/he will supervise the overall centre facilities and will develop the technical strategy of the centre. Salary: €80,000 per annum.  Please submit to the address below two unbound hardcopy CVs for each position to which you are applying, along with a covering letter stating to which position you are applying.  Human Resources Department, Cork Institute of Technology, Bishopstown, Cork, Ireland.  For informal discussion about these positions, please contact Dr Guillaume Huyet by email at: guillaume.huyet@cit.ie

Optical Engineer/Scientist.  Starfire Optical Range, Kirtland AFB.  Optical Engineer/Scientist to assist in planning, implementing, and testing atmospheric compensation and laser propagation experiments at the Starfire Optical Range, Kirtland AFB. Employee will have routine contacts with the customer and senior engineers. Employee will work as part of a team setting up and carrying out experiments in the Starfire Optical Range Laboratories.  Some experiments will include use of lasers up to 15 kW and possibly higher.  Education and Experience:  Experience in optical design and optical system integration and test is required.  Experience with lasers and laser systems, including laser diagnostics is an advantage.  Experience with an optical design code such as ZEMAX, SYNOPSYS, or CODE V is an advantage.  Experience in work at a field site is also an advantage.  An active DoD SECRET clearance or the ability to obtain an interim SECRET before employment is required.  The candidate must be willing to work up to 50% nights as required to support testing. Persons in this position would typically have 8 years experience past a bachelor’s degree.  U. S citizenship is required for this position.  At least a Bachelors Degree in Electro-Optics, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or some other related field. Advanced degrees in these fields are an advantage.  Contact:  For additional information, please contact:  Bill Lowrey, Boeing SOR Site Manager  mailto:william.lowrey@kirtland.af.mil  (505) 846-6357.  Or Melissa Mattmuller, Boeing SOR Technology Development Manager  mailto:melissa.mattmuller@kirtland.af.mil  (505) 853-3496.

Research Engineer.  Centre for Advanced Photonics and Process Analysis.  As part of the strategic expansion of its applied research programme, Cork Institute of Technology has recently been awarded a research grant by Enterprise Ireland for the establishment of the Centre for Advanced Photonics and Process Analysis (CAPPA). The CAPPA centre aims to develop research and development in the area of photonics to support both the SMEs and multinationals based in the Cork region. Cork Institute of Technology is seeking applications from highly motivated individuals for the following three positions.  The ideal candidate will have a degree in optics, applied physics or engineering. The engineer will be strongly motivated to work in an industry-led applied research centre and have experience in the initiation and completion of projects. In the CAPPA centre, the research engineer will ensure the successful completion of industry-led research projects. S/he will assist the senior research engineer in the maintenance of the CAPPA facilities.

Salary: €45,000 per annum.  Please submit to the address below two unbound hardcopy CVs for each position to which you are applying, along with a covering letter stating to which position you are applying.  Human Resources Department, Cork Institute of Technology, Bishopstown, Cork, Ireland.  For informal discussion about these positions, please contact Dr Guillaume Huyet by email at: guillaume.huyet@cit.ie

Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer.  Alfalight.  Job No.:  P-001.  Department:  Engineering.  Classification:  Full-time, exempt.  Application Deadline:  March 30, 2008.  Summary: Responsible for the design and packaging of compact and highly rugged optical trains for a new line of diode-laser-based products.  Responsibilities:  Detailed opto-mechanical design suitable for a rugged environment, including all attachment methodologies, interface definition, and related tooling.  Integration of optical design with exterior package and electronic components.  Identify and manage multiple component vendors, including specification development, manage delivery timing, and initiate incoming quality methods.  Work closely with engineering team to implement end product requirements.  Transition designs from optical bench prototype to compact manufactured package and oversee ramp-up of pilot assembly.  Manage projects including product development / new product introductions.  Qualifications:  Previous experience designing optical products in a commercial/industrial environment is highly desirable.  Bachelors’ degree or higher in engineering, physics or related field.  Strong background in fine mechanics, opto-mechanics, robust packaging, athermal design, and adhesive attachment methodologies.  Project management skills with participation in product development from concept design through product performance testing.  Experience with lasers and/or laser optics highly desirable.  Ability to plan activities and monitor execution by small cross-disciplinary teams to successfully meet technical, schedule, and cost performance goals.  Proficient with mechanical CAD software such as Solidworks or similar packages; FEA experience a plus.  Background packaging electronics and/or experience with laser diodes a plus.  Travel Requirements: not initially.  Supervise Others: not initially.  Special Remarks:  As part of a growing company, must be willing to contribute as needed in order to meet company goals and customer commitments.  Please submit letter of interest (including salary requirements) and resume to:  Human Resources, Alfalight, Inc.  1832 Wright Street, Madison, WI  53704.  Fax: (608) 240-4801.  career@alfalight.com (MS Word or Adobe PDF format preferred)

Senior Research Engineer.  Centre for Advanced Photonics and Process Analysis.  As part of the strategic expansion of its applied research programme, Cork Institute of Technology has recently been awarded a research grant by Enterprise Ireland for the establishment of the Centre for Advanced Photonics and Process Analysis (CAPPA). The CAPPA centre aims to develop research and development in the area of photonics to support both the SMEs and multinationals based in the Cork region. Cork Institute of Technology is seeking applications from highly motivated individuals.  The senior research engineer will have extensive knowledge of applied optics, preferably in infrared spectroscopy or optical imaging. Preferably s/he will have worked in research or development in academia or industry. S/he will have a passion for converting knowledge into practical tools or instruments. In the CAPPA centre, the senior research engineer will take responsibility for overseeing the CAPPA research facilities, the supervision of engineering level staff and the successful completion of research projects.  Salary: €65,000 per annum.  Please submit to the address below two unbound hardcopy CVs for each position to which you are applying, along with a covering letter stating to which position you are applying.  Human Resources Department, Cork Institute of Technology, Bishopstown, Cork, Ireland.  For informal discussion about these positions, please contact Dr Guillaume Huyet by email at: guillaume.huyet@cit.ie