Watt's Up

College of Optical Sciences News for February 14, 2008

Today'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. 

Next Week's Colloquium

Michael Cusanovich will present PAS Domain Containing Light-Activated Switches.  Stanley Pau is the host.  Abstract:  Photoactive yellow protein (PYP), a small (~15,000 mol. wt.) water soluble blue light sensor, is a member of a superfamily of PAS domain containing sensor proteins, and is the structural prototype for over 5,000 known PAS domain containing sensor proteins found throughout the evolutionary tree. PYP is a blue light sensor, however, the PAS superfamily is not restricted to light sensing, and depending on species functions can range from oxygen, electric field and redox sensing to small molecule sensing (for example, a wide range of small organic molecules and metabolites). The functional diversity of PAS domains is an outstanding example of the use of a common structural motif, which adapted through evolution to address the specific metabolic needs of a specific organism. PYP undergoes a photoisomerization (trans  p-hydroxy cinnamic acid to cis) in ~3 ps, that initiates a series of structural changes (photocycle) leading to the lit or signaling state, which then activates a response regulator leading to function. The lit state spontaneously reverts to the dark state to complete the photocyclye. The formation of the lit state is coupled with a major conformational change. Many of the PAS domain containing sensor proteins are complex consisting of two or more interacting domains.

A major focus of our work is on a blue-red light sensing protein, called Ppr, which contains PYP, bacteriophytochrome and histidine kinase domain, that phosphorylates a transcriptional regulator when activated, which turns on the expression of a polyketide synthase. Our goal is to characterize the transient structural changes leading to the lit state, and the mechanism by which the PYP, Bph and histidine kinase interact leading to the light activation of the kinase.

Photoactive Yellow Protein: A Prototypic PAS Domain Sensory Protein and Development of a Common Mechanism for the Two-Component Regulatory Family. M. A. Cusanovich and T. E. Meyer, Biochem. 42, 4759-70 (2003).

The Photoactivated PYP Domain of Rhodospirillum centenum  Ppr Accelerates Recovery of  the Bacteriophytochrome Domain After White Light Illumination.‘  John A. Kyndt, John C. Fitch, Terry E. Meyer, and Michael A. Cusanovich,  Biochem 46, 8256-62 (2007).

Anthony Tanbakuchi Receives GPSC and BIO5 innovator Awards

At the recent 2007-2008 Graduate and Professional Student Council Student Showcase, Anthony Tanbakuchi received a first place award in the Engineering category for graduate research.  He was also awarded the BIO5 Innovator Award for graduate translational research.  And -- based on his award in the Student Showcase -- he was asked to present the research last week at the Phoenix Showcase in connection with the Arizona Pride event.

Anthony’s award-winning poster, (click on the thumbnail below for a much larger image) The Multi-Spectral Confocal Imaging System for Optical Biopsy in Surgery, is based on research done in Art Gmitro's Biomedical imaging Laboratory where Anthony is part of a team that developed a confocal microscope that can perform real-time optical biopsies laproscopically or endoscopically, allowing for detection of cancerous cells without physical removal of tissue. It is especially important in the detection of ovarian cancer because ovaries cannot be biopsied, but are instead removed in high-risk patients.

The imaging system is currently in clinical trials at  University Medical Centerin Tucson. Anthony's specific contributions to the project were design of the laparoscopes, focus controls, contrast agent delivery system, and writing the software that transmits the images to the screen for the surgeons during the procedure.

GPSC, the Graduate & Professional Student Council, is the representative body for graduate students at the University of Arizona, and serves as the voice of graduate students to the UA administration and the Arizona Board of Regents, representing graduate student concerns regarding campus and academic issues. The GPSC also organizes activities for students of the UA and disburses of funds for graduate student travel and other graduate student activities.

If you're not familiar with GPSC's Student Showcase, the goal of the event is to provide students with a very public opportunity to share their research with non-experts and to allow guests to observe and interact with the projects and their creators. The physical exhibits include a 4’ x 8’ display board on which the students exhibit their art, music, architecture, engineering, medical, biological, nursing and sociological research and studies. Many students incorporate other display elements such as computers, audio and videotapes, architectural and engineering models to support their research

On Campus

February 15

Physics Colloquium.  PAS 220.  At 2:30 p.m.  Justin Bergfield will present Many-Body Treatment of Quantum Transport Through Single Molecules.  At 3:00 p.m. Teresa Montaruli will present Astronomy with Neutrinos. 

Optics Employment Opportunities

Please visit our optics employment Web site at

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

PostDoc.  UC Irvine. Chemical Engineering and Materials Science - Postdoctoral Scholar Position Biomedical Wide-Field Interferometrice Imaging.  Salary: $34,752 - 42,456 annually.  Starting Date: May 1, 2008.  Applications are invited for a Postgraduate Researcher in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science at The Henry Samueli School of Engineering at the University of California, Irvine.  We seek a researcher for time-resolved wide-field interferometric imaging techniques with applications to optoacoustic imaging of heterogeneous tissues and the interaction of pulsed laser microbeams with biological cells and microfluidic devices.  The ideal applicant should have expertise in experimental and theoretical aspects of optical design, interferometry, holography, microscopy, and/or imaging.  Applicant should also have an interest in the translation of optical instrumentation for biomedical and biotechnology applications.  Good organization, oral and written communication skills are a must.  The applicant will have access to resources at the Laser Microbeam and Medical Program, a NIH-funded National Biotechnology Resource housed within the Beckman Laser Institute, which is active in the development of a broad variety of optical technologies for biomedical application.  This position provides a unique opportunity to gain experience in a multidisciplinary biomedical optics research environment.  The candidates should hold a doctoral degree in an appropriate field of engineering or physical science.  Salary will be based on specific skill set of the candidate and previous experience. The initial appointment will be for a one-year period, with possibility of extension.  Application deadline:  Screening will begin immediately and will remain open until filled.  To be considered for the position, applicants should send a curriculum vitae and names/addresses of at least three references to:  Prof. Vasan Venugopalan, Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science University of California, Irvine Irvine, CA 92697-2575.  Alternatively materials maybe sent electronically to Prof. Vasan Venugopalan at vvenugop@uci.edu  University of California, Irvine is an equal opportunity employer committed to excellence through diversity.

Agency Posting.  Senior Laser Scientist.  Minimum Qualifications:  Ph.D in Optics, Physics or related Laser Technology field.  3-year Industrial Experience in Pulsed Diode-Pumped Solid State Lasers (DPSS).  Hands-on Experience with Ultrafast Lasers, Harmonic Generation Systems, and Fiber Lasers.  Experience with various system architectures, including Q-Switching, Mode-locking, Optical Parametric Oscillators and Amplifiers, Harmonic Generation Conversion, and active and Passive Optical Fiber Devices.  Strong, Project Management, Problem Solving, and Communication Skills.  Key Responsibilities:  Design and construct prototypes of DPSS, Ultrafast Systems, and Harmonic Conversion Systems.  Evaluate performance of constructed systems and assess feasibility for Product Development.  Survey Published Literature, conduct Scientific Modeling. Procure Components and create the proper Diagnostic Tools.  Summarize and communicate the results to Marketing and Senior Management, and assist with Transfer of Technology to Engineering and Production.  Application:  If qualified, please email an updated copy of your resume in Word format to: nkosa@kosearchinc.com  Please make sure to include the phrase Sr. Laser Scientist in the SUBJECT area of your email.   If applicant is interested in exploring other positions, please email your updated CV with a note or cover letter stating your employment status, goals, and preferences to:  resumes@kosearchinc.com  All submitted information is held in confidence.  KoSearch is an executive search firm with specially in conducting exclusive searches and placements of Sr. level Technologists, Managers, and Executives in R&D, Engineering, Manufacturing, Business Development, Sales & Marketing, Operations and Regulatory functions. Our focus is on Sr. Level talent associated with startup-phase to midsize high-tech Optics-based companies involved in advanced applications of Optics, Electro-optics, Photonics, Opto-electronics, and Fiber Optics technologies, products, and services. 

Agency Posting.  Senior Laser Engineer.   Minimum Qualifications: MS prefer Ph.D in Optics, Physics or related Laser Technology field.  3-year Industrial Experience in Pulsed Diode-Pumped Solid State Lasers (DPSS)  In-depth Knowledge of Optical Systems, Optical Properties of Materials, Nonlinear Crystals.  Experience with Harmonic Generation Techniques, Beam Parameter Measurement and Controls.  Strong, Product Development, Engineering, Project Management, and Communication Skills.  Key Responsibilities:  Resolve design and operation issues of an optical system including ultrafast lasers, harmonic generation systems, and test setup.  Organize and execute training classes for Service Engineers, Interns, and Techs.  Design experiments, gather data, define problems, propose solutions and support troubleshooting.  Application:  If qualified, please email an updated copy of your resume in Word format to:  nkosa@kosearchinc.com   Please make sure to include the phrase Laser Engineer in the SUBJECT area of your email.   If applicant is interested in exploring other positions, please email your updated CV with a note or cover letter stating your employment status, goals, and preferences to:  resumes@kosearchinc.com  All submitted information is held in confidence.  KoSearch is an executive search firm with specially in conducting exclusive searches and placements of Sr. level Technologists, Managers, and Executives in R&D, Engineering, Manufacturing, Business Development, Sales & Marketing, Operations and Regulatory functions. Our focus is on Sr. Level talent associated with startup-phase to midsize high-tech Optics-based companies involved in advanced applications of Optics, Electro-optics, Photonics, Opto-electronics, and Fiber Optics technologies, products, and services.

cathy.alexander@optics.arizona.edu