Watt's Up

College of Optical Sciences News for February 7, 2008

No Colloquium Today

Colloquium will resume next week on February 14.  Please join us then. 

Next Week's Colloquium

Syun-Ichi Akasofu will present The Aurora.  Stanley Pau is the host. 

Abstract:  Aurora research has a long history of fascinating controversies.  However, my talk will focus on the progress of auroral science after the International Geophysical Year (IGY, 1957-58), in particular how it has led to the development of a new field, space physics, including interplanetary physics, magnetospheric physics, and physics of the heliosphere.  We are also working with solar physicists, because the sun is the ultimate energy source of the aurora.  Taking this special opportunity, I would like to propose search for life on extra-solar system planets, using oxygen emissions, since free oxygen in their atmosphere is very likely to be released from plants.  (I am greatly honored to be a co-author (with S. Chapman and A. B Meinel) of the article entitled, “The Aurora” in Handbuch der Physik (Vol. XLIX/1) published in 1966 (158 pp), although I have not had an opportunity to meet Dr. Meinel.)

Bio:  Dr. Syun-Ichi Akasofu is a professor of physics and director emeritus of the University of Alaska.  He was the director of the International Arctic Research Center at the University of Alaska Fairbanks since its establishment in 1999 until his retirement in 2007.  Prior to that, he was director of the UAF’s Geophysical Institute for 13 years from 1986 to 1999.  He helped establish the institute as a key research center in the Arctic, and played a critical role in the genesis of the Alaska Volcano Observatory and the modernization of the Poker Flat Research Range.  Akasofu came from Japan to the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 1958 as a graduate student to study the aurora under the guidance of Sydney Chapman, receiving his PhD in 1961.  He has been a professor of geophysics since 1964.  Akasofu has written more than 550 professional journal articles, and authored or co-authored 10 books.   Akasofu is an expert on the aurora borealis and the associated physics. His paper on the auroral substorm in 1964 is still cited often.  He initiated a study of space weather forecasting with K. Hakamada well before this issue became crucial.  The method they developed was refined by G. Fry and became the basis for the famous HAF model.  In 1976, the Royal Astronomy Society of London presented Akasofu with its Chapman Medal.  In 1980, UAF named Akasofu a Distinguished Alumnus.  In 1981 and again in 2002, he earned mention as one of the “1000 Most Cited Scientists.”  In 1985, Dr. Akasofu became the first recipient of the Chapman Chair Professorship at the University of Alaska Fairbanks; and in 1987, the National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges named him as one of its  “Centennial Alumni.”  He has also been honored with the Japan Academy of Sciences Award, and the John Adams Fleming Award of the American Geophysical Union.  In addition, he has received awards of appreciation for his efforts in support of international science activities from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan in 1993 and from the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications of Japan in 1996.  He was also the recipient of the University of Alaska Edith R. Bullock Prize for Excellence in 1997, and was named a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union in 1977, and of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2001.  He received the 1999 Alaskan of the Year Denali Award, and the 2003 Aurora Award from the Fairbanks Convention and Visitors’ Bureau. Also in 2003, the Emperor of Japan bestowed on him the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold and Silver Star.  Upon his retirement in 2007, the University of Alaska Board of Regents officially named the building that houses the International Arctic Research Center the “Syun-Ichi Akasofu Building” in recognition of “ his tireless vision and dedicated service to the university, the state, and country in advancing arctic science.”

OSC Group Creates Updatable 3-D Holographic Displays with Memory

 

Today's issue of Nature (451, 694-698, February 7, 2008) features a report of an updatable holographic three-dimensional display developed at UA's College of Optical Sciences.  According to the report, the display is based on photorefractive polymers that allow fast writing time, hours of image persistence, rapid erasure, and a large area.  The displays were developed by OSC faculty members and scientists working in collaboration with colleagues from Nitto Denko Technical Corporation.  The Air Force Office of Scientific Research funded the research which has potential applications to areas that require "situational awareness," including the medical, industrial, military, and entertainment fields.   Read the article:  Nature, February 7, 2008   More information:  UA News  February 6, 2008, New Scientist February 6, 2008, Nanotechnology Now  February 6, 2008, PC Pro February 7, 2008

Alumni News   OSC Short Courses on DVD   Alumni, if you've ever thought you might like to explore the newest optical techniques, technologies, or topics without committing to a semester-long class, we have something new that might interest you --  a selection of professional-level, non-credit, short courses that can be completed in a few hours or a weekend.  All are available on DVD and can be purchased for individual use or as a site-license.  At present, our list of short courses includes:    Applications of Zernike Polynomials Exploring Optical Aberrations Optical Design with Mirrors Introduction to Interferometric Optical Testing Holographic Techniques for Advanced Photonic Systems   Solid State Lasers 1: Fundamental Physics Solid State Lasers 2: Specific Systems   Illumination Engineering:  Basics, Sampling, and Sources Illumination Engineering:  Lightpipes and Reflectors Illumination Engineering:  Displays Illumination Engineering:  Optimization, Tolerancing, and Special Topics Illumination Engineering:  The Complete Set of all 4 Discs   Payment is by credit card through our secure Web site.  For all the details, please visit http://www.optics.arizona.edu/ShortCourses/Default.htm     Alumni, we would like to hear from you!  To let us know what is happening in your life or to update your subscription to Watt's Up, please send an e-mail to Cathy Alexander, Information Specialist Coordinator, at cathy.alexander@optics.arizona.edu   Alumni Web Site:   http://www.optics.arizona.edu/Alumni/default.htm   Alumni Listserv:  http://www.optics.arizona.edu/helpdesk/listserv.htm

OSC Calendar

February 8

OSC Sports Friday

February 12 and 13

Comprehensive Exams

February 14

OSC Colloquium

March 3 through 5

Industrial Affiliates Workshop

March 17 through 21

OSC's acclaimed CGH-DOE Workshop returns

Happy Birthday and Best Wishes for a Wonderful Year

February 11

Junoh Choi (jchoi@optics.arizona.edu)
Joshua Gordon (jgordon@optics.arizona.edu)
Xinghua Wang (markxhwang@gmail.com)

February 12

Parmpreet Bajaj (bajaj1057@yahoo.com)
Fernando Martinez (marti2@email.arizona.edu)

February 13

Greg Rupper (grupper@optics.arizona.edu)

February 14

Jerome Moloney (jml@acms.Arizona.EDU)

February 15

Nathan Lewis (nlewis@optics.arizona.edu)
Pavel Polynkin (ppolynkin@optics.arizona.edu)
Jeremiah Valenzuela (Jjvalenz@optics.arizona.edu)
Corrie Vandervlugt (cvandervlugt@optics.arizona.edu)

February 17

Kohei Arai (arai@is.saga-u.ac.jp)
Gabriel Birch (gcb@email.arizona.edu)
Doug Goodman (dougoodmad@gmail.com)

On Campus

Special Seminar  Thursday February 7, 1:00 p.m. 

Medical Research Building (MRB) 102

Marty Pagel., Department of Biomedical Engineering at Case Western Reserve University, will present Engineering New Magnetic Resonance Imaging Methods to Improve Pre-Clinical Biomedical Diagnostics.  Abstract:  Engineering involves the design of methods to exact specifications without unintended consequences.  The design of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods can be surprisingly challenging, partly due to biological variability and physiochemical effects that influence MR signals.  These effects can cause MRI methods to achieve inexact specificity for diagnosing the pathology, or to unintentionally detect consequences of biological variability and physiochemical effects that are misdiagnosed as the pathology.  Two examples- Dynamic Contrast Enhanced MRI of tumor permeability, and anatomical imaging of the lung without respiration gating- will be presented that highlight the challenges of engineering new magnetic resonance imaging methods to improve pre-clinical biomedical diagnostics.

 

Edmund Optics Career Opportunity Information Session   Please join us and learn about opportunities we have for you to join the Edmund Optics team.  When:  Monday, February 18 at 4:30 p.m.  Where;  Meinel 821.  Magpie's pizza will be served.  Edmund Optics is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.  EOE M/F/D/V.  www.edmundoptics.com   Edmund Optics is an OSC Industrial Affiliate at the Principal Partners level.

Other Optics Employment Opportunities

Please visit our optics employment Web site at

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

Optical Systems Engineer.  Luna innovations.   Blacksburg, Virginia.  Luna Innovations develops and manufactures new-generation products for the healthcare, telecommunications, energy and defense markets.  Our products are used to measure, monitor and improve critical processes in the markets we serve. Through its disciplined commercialization business model, Luna has become a recognized leader in transitioning science to solutions. Luna is headquartered in Roanoke, Virginia.  Luna Innovations, a NASDAQ-listed public company, is seeking an Optical Systems Engineer to be part of a multidisciplinary team and provide technical support in the development of novel fiber-optic sensor products. This key technical position will be responsible for designing and implementing test plans and performing applied research and product development functions in support of advanced fiber-optic systems.  Duties will include assuming lead and/or working as part of a multi-disciplinary team for various development projects, process development, system and sub-system level testing, application engineering, data processing and analysis, the creation of documentation, report generation, and customer support.  Occasional travel is required.  B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field is desired.  The successful candidate will demonstrate technical innovation, initiative, and hands-on skills.  A demonstrated ability to work independently or as part of a team is required.  Strong problem solving skills, effective verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to represent the company in a positive manner are a must.  Experience with optical fiber handling/connectorization/processing, optical assembly, optical components and instrumentation, standard lab equipment, and data acquisition techniques are highly desirable.  Exceptional troubleshooting skills with hands-on experience using test equipment a must.  Experience with state-of-the-art rapid prototyping tools, data acquisition techniques and equipment, and a proficiency in C/C++/C#/Visual Studio programming languages is highly desirable. Experience with Labview and/or Matlab programming, a working knowledge of fiber-optic sensors, optical fiber handling/connectorization/processing, optical assembly, and optical components and instrumentation is also desirable. The successful candidate will have strong communication, technical writing, problem solving, and interpersonal skills and function well in a highly dynamic, team oriented environment.  Due to the nature of our work in the government contract research area, U.S Citizenship is required.   We offer a competitive compensation package.  Qualified candidates, please send resume to Luna Innovations, Corporate Headquarters, 1 Riverside Circle, Suite 400, Roanoke, VA  24016 ATTN:  HR Dept. or email preferred wesself@lunainnovations.com  EOE / AA.

cathy.alexander@optics.arizona.edu