Watt's Up

College of Optical Sciences News for August 21, 2008

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Distance Students:  Classes Begin on Monday

If you haven't signed up for your Fall distance classes, it would be good to do it now -- registration is fast and painless, but the paperwork can take a few days to make it through the system.  Everything you need to get started is available online through http://www.optics.arizona.edu/academics/distance.htm

Sports Friday Returns to OSC

Sports Friday, sponsored by our OSA/SPIE Student Optics Chapter, is a great opportunity for everyone at OSC -- all students, faculty members, and staff, to get together to play a friendly, relaxed, non-competitive sport.  The sport varies from week to week -- past choices have included soccer, football, water polo, tennis, cricket, yoga and the ever-popular ultimate Frisbee.  Suggestions are always welcome, so if you have a favorite sport, mention it to Robin Palit, this year's sports coordinator.

At Sports Friday, the emphasis is on having fun.  The players frequently don't keep score and athletic ability or skill level aren't issues.  If you don't know how to play but want to give it a try, they'll show you how.

OSA Fellow

Harald Giessen, OSC MS 1994 and PhD 1995, who presented a special seminar here last week, is a recently-elected Fellow of OSA, the Optical Society of America.  Congratulations, Harald.

UA Selects Nathan Hagen's Dissertation as Potential Award Recipient

Nathan Hagen, OSC PhD 2007, currently a post-doc at Duke University, is UA's nominee for the 2008-2009 Western Association of Graduate Schools Innovation in Technology Award.  The award is given for a thesis or doctoral dissertation that addresses the development of an innovative technology and its utilization for the creative solution to a major problem.

Eustace Dereniak nominated Nathan for the award on the basis of his dissertation, Snapshot Imaging Spectropolarimetry, which describes "the development of a creative and highly innovative technology that has widespread applications, including use in the detection of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) often used in unconventional warfare as well as biomedical applications....[His] research has highly significant application, not only for IED detection, but also in its applications in the astronomy sector (Maui, Hawaii, tracking of satellites), medical applications in fluorescence spectroscopy, in microscopy, and in agriculture spectral analysis."

The Western Associate of Graduate Schools (WAGS) and University Microfilms International (UMI) sponsor the award together.  WAGS' membership includes accredited graduate schools in the U.S. and Canada.  It focuses on mutual problems among member institutions and cooperates with other agencies by dissemination of information, improvement of standards, encouragement of research and assistance to schools in the beginning stages of graduate education.

Each university can nominate only one candidate for the award.  Congratulations, Nathan.

Welcome Back

Amy Phillips,  OSC MS 1985, returned to Optical Sciences a few weeks ago to take up a newly created position:  Technology Transfer License Specialist.

Amy received her BS in physics and mathematics at UA in 1979 and followed it up with the MS in Optical Sciences under the guidance of Phil Slater.  Her early professional credentials include work on laser head designs for optical disk drives at Optotech and designing and implementing tests of optical materials' response to radiation at Kaman Sciences.

For the past eight years she has been an independent contractor with a client list that included Sextant Labs, UA's Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, and -- most frequently -- an intellectual property firm in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  Her work for them ranged from evaluating the technical worthiness of patent portfolios, identifying possible licensing targets, and testing for unlicensed use of patented technology.

"The experience," she said, "Taught me how to read detailed technical documents in 'legalese' and how to distinguish good technology with strong patents from good technology with unenforceable patents."

While working for OSC, Amy expects to serve as a liaison between OSC and UA's Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) as they process OSC's patents and licensing agreements.

Amy explained, "Ultimately, the goal is to increase the licensing activity associated with Optical Sciences.  The added revenue from licensing agreements helps to diversify activity from State and Federal funding sources, and in a broader sense, it's important in showing the value of Optical Sciences in translating University research into economic activity for the benefit of Arizona and Tucson.

"I encourage you to have early discussions with me and others in OTT about strategies for positioning your research if you think it has IP potential or are interested in learning more about commercializing your academic research.  Sooner is better than later!"

Amy's office is in Meinel 724.  She can be reached by telephone at 626-1698 or by email at aphillips@optics.arizona.edu

By the way, Amy's husband, Ed Beshore, currently with LPL, was an OSC employee in the late 1970's. He worked on the imaging software for the Pioneer Project and his office, coincidentally, was the same one that Amy has now. 

Happy Birthday and Best Wishes for a Wonderful Year

September 1

Roy Glauber (glauber@physics.harvard.edu)
John Koshel (jkoshel@optics.arizona.edu)

September 2

Matthew Jones (mmjones1@email.arizona.edu)
Richard Wall (r.andrew.wall@gmail.com)
Larry Weir (lweir@email.arizona.edu)

September 3

Sen Han (senhanemail@yahoo.com)
Glenn Sincerbox (sinbox@cox.net)

September 4

Chris Berger (cberger@optics.arizona.edu)
Vaibhav Bora (vbora@optics.arizona.edu)
Tomislav Dolezal (dolleton4@aol.com)

September 5

Curtis Rosenow

OSC Calendar

August 22

OSC Faculty Retreat.

August 22

Sports Friday.  5:30 p.m.  On the grassy area next to OSC.  Ultimate Frisbee.

August 25

First day of classes.

August 29 

Ice Cream Social hosted by OSC Academic Programs.  3:30 p.m.  Meinel Third Floor Lobby.  Everyone's invited.

August 30

Last day to sign up for Fall Prelims on September 23 and 24.

September 1

Labor Day.  No classes.

September 4

PhD Final Oral Defense.  2:00 p.m.  Meinel 701.  Zhipeng Wang will present A Framework for the Analysis and Evaluation of Optical imaging Systems with Arbitrary Response Functions.

September 4

First Colloquium of the 2008-2009 Academic Year.  3:30 p.m.  Meinel 307.  Yong-Hee Lee will present Two-Dimensional Photonic Crystal Nanolasers.

September 5

PhD Final Oral Defense.  8:30 a.m.  Meinel 447.  Qing Wang will present Study of Glass Waveguide Lasers and Fiber Resonators for Optical Communication.

On Campus

August 25

Biomedical Engineering Seminar.  1:00 p.m.  Keating 103.  Sina Farsiu, PhD, Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, will present Statistical Imaging, Restoration, and Analysis of Digital Images for Clinical and Industrial Applications.

August 28

Biomedical Engineering Seminar.  12:00 Noon.  MRB 102.  Sangtae Ahn, PhD, Electrical Engineering, University of Southern California, will present Statistical Image Reconstruction Methods and Applications in Biomedical Imaging.

Electrophysics Engineer/Scientist.  Boeing.  Job code: 6B1E SMC:64K.  Salary grade: 5.  Job description:  Develops and validates optical/system requirements for electro-optical systems, mechanical systems, interconnects and structures. Develops architectures to integrate multiple systems into higher level systems and platforms. Leads development of trade studies, modeling, simulation and other forms of analysis to predict component, interconnects and system performance and to optimize design around complex requirements. Develops and applies new and improved modeling and simulation techniques. Designs and implements complex optical systems in support of telescope operations, laser projection, and leading edge electro-optical sensor development.  Applies innovative techniques and technologies to the setup and performance of complex optical alignment problems.  Understands adaptive optics technologies and techniques and is able to apply that to optical system design.  Has knowledge and understanding of optical coating technologies and is confident in overseeing the maintenance of optical systems including optical cleaning and optical coating operations.  Leads development and execution of critical tests to validate performance of designs to requirements. Manages appropriate aspects of critical supplier and partner performance to ensure compliance to requirements. Provides support to products throughout their lifecycle by providing guidance and support to resolve complex issues. Supports project management by providing coordinating development of work statement, budget, schedule and other required inputs and conducting appropriate reviews. Leads development of major sections of large-scale proposals to support development of new business. Works under consultative direction.  Responsible for providing leadership to optical engineering and maintenance team composed of technicians, designers, and engineers.  Competencies:  Adaptability, Innovation, Systems Thinking, Optical Modeling/Simulation, Optical system Design, Optical System Integration, Optical System Testing (see details at online employment site for this requisition).  Education, other job related information: Degree and typical experience in engineering classification: Bachelor's 14 or more years' experience, Master's with 12 or more years' experience or PhD with 9 or more years' experience. Bachelor, Master or Doctorate of Science degree from an accredited course of study, in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics or chemistry. ABET is the preferred, although not required, accreditation standard.    Must be able to work at a 10,000 ft. elevation.  U.S. citizenship required.  This position will require the ability to obtain an interim Clearance piror to start date and a final clearance post start.  Boeing LTS Maui relocation policy applies (Boeing transfers: excludes Special Location Allowance and Homeowner benefit).  External candidates, apply on-line at:      http://jobs.boeing.com   Search by req#. 08-1019776.  Please contact Cathy Oleson @ 808-874-1582, if you need further assistance.

The Boeing Company is an OSC Industrial Affiliate at the Leadership Partners Level.

Optical Engineer/Physicist.  Remote Ocean Systems.  Location:  San Diego, CA.  Department:  Engineering.  Status:  Exempt.  Purpose:  Performs audits, checks, and tests for quality for the manufacture of products.  Reports to:  Engineering Manager.  Essential Duties and Responsibilities:  Act as a lead for the optical design of lens systems and the adaptation of existing lenses to video cameras.  Specify  or design optical interfaces to video cameras.  Responsible for determining and correcting the distortions within the medium of the optical path.  Design corrective ports.  Optical analysis.  Optical systems integration.  Provide support to the manufacturing group to ensure hardware is fabricated for each engineering requirement and recommend process improvements for technical issues.  Must have a thorough grasp of Mechanical Engineering.  Participate in design reviews and maintain schedules.  Read and interpret blue prints, technical drawings, schematics and reports.  Research and analyze customer design proposals, specifications and other data to evaluate the feasibility and maintenance requirements of designs or applications.  Specify system components or direct modification of products to ensure conformance with engineering design and performance specifications.  Design, evaluate, install, operate and maintain mechanical products, equipment, systems and processes to meet requirements, applying knowledge of engineering principles.  Investigate equipment failures and difficulties to diagnose faulty operation and make recommendations.  Confer with other engineers/personnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions and provide technical information.  Recommend design modifications to eliminate system malfunctions.  Develop and test models of alternate designs and processing methods to assess operation condition effects, possible new applications and necessity of modification.  Perform other duties related to the qualifications and requirements of the job.  Interaction:  Work and communicate effectively with all division employees including but not limited to: Engineering, Management, Production, Purchasing, and Operations.  Requirements:  Bachelor of Science in Optics, Electrical or Physics and a minimum of 5 years of directly related experience.  Must have a strong aptitude in physical optics, optical system modeling, tolerancing and optical analysis.  Must be willing to tackle complex problems by applying creative thinking processes and therefore providing solutions to unique problems.  Proven optical design and algorithm expertise.  Must have lens design experience using Zemax or equivalent lens design software.  Programming experience using Matlab, C++, or equivalent.  Capable of designing custom lenses is desirable.  Must be knowledgeable about optical paths through water and optical distortion.  Knowledge of manufacturing processes such as machining operations, casting, etc.  Outstanding Microsoft Office skills.  Must have a minimum of 1000 hours SolidWorks 2005+ and 2 years of drafting experience with a focus in ASMEY14.5E STD.  Exceptional organizational ability and attention to detail.  Adhere to strict confidentiality and proprietary practices and policies.  Strong verbal and written skills are required.  Capable of  independently managing multiple tasks.  Must be highly motivated and self directed.  Must be able to work harmoniously in coordinated teams.  Physical demands:  The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with qualified disabilities to perform the essential job functions.  Lift up to 30 pounds.  Able to bend, sit, stand, lift, use fingers and hands, able to speak and listen clearly and move around the office, labs, production and machine shop areas.  Work Environment:  The working conditions are normal for an office environment.  Requires working in the labs, production and machine shop areas where there may be elevated levels of noise and heat.  May require working weekends and evenings.  To apply:  Send resume to:  Vanessa Fry, Human Resource Manager, Remote Ocean Systems.  Business: (858) 565-8500 x107.  Fax: (858) 565-8808.  Email: vanessa@rosys.com  www.rosys.com

Optical Engineer, Sr.  Kollmorgen Electro-Optical.  Tracking Code: 3200-060408.  Job Description:  Design and develop optical systems and components in accordance with applicable specifications and other mechanical, environmental and electrical requirements.  Work with other engineering groups, the project engineer, manufacturing, and other departments to insure that all contractual and other project requirements related to optical performance are fulfilled.   Perform detailed optical design, analysis and documentation.  Perform optical systems and component alignment, testing, troubleshooting and evaluation.  Prepare or contribute to technical proposals.  Identify optical tasks associated with a project and estimate manpower and other resources required to execute it.  Insure quality through adherence to the Quality Systems Manual, applicable Standard Work Instructions and other standards invoked internally or contractually.  Adhere to budget and schedule commitments.  Perform as lead Optical Engineer in a multidisciplinary team of engineers.  Develop design concepts from specification requirements and inputs from customer and other engineers.  Lead design reviews to demonstrate that the optical design meets all relevant specifications and requirements for advanced optical/electro-optical concepts.  Provide technical leadership and engineering support to the marketing department in the development of new business.  Play lead role in technical proposals having optical content as part of a program capture team.  Prepare and deliver technical presentations to management and customers.  Prepare estimates for manpower and other resources required to execute new projects or to complete existing projects.  Perform other duties as assigned.  Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain a secret clearance.  Job Location:  Northampton, MA.  Job Type:  Full-Time/Regular.  Required Experience:  8+ years of Optical Design and Analysis.  Optical design of visible through infrared wavelength systems. Design analysis and optimization using Zemax software. Prepare, review and approve manufacturing drawings.  Design review preparation and delivery.  Proficient at optical alignment, test and troubleshooting.  Education:  BS Required;  Masters Degree preferred.  Specialized training in optics.  Kollmorgen Electro-Optical, a Danaher Company, is an experienced developer of integrated and stabilized, high-performance optronic sensor, antenna, masts, and weapon control systems for defense applications.  Kollmorgen has the capability to accept any electro-optical or motion control challenge and then design to it, build it, test it, and stand behind it.  Kollmorgen provides a wide range of technical capabilities for:  Motion control and stabilized systems imaging and display user interface packaging for harsh environments.  We are a $150MM company based in Northampton, Massachusetts.  www.eo.kollmorgen.com    If interested in our opportunity please apply directly to our website or email/contact our Corporate Recruiter:  Margarita Kuzmeski, 347 King Street, Northampton, MA  01060.  413-586-2330 x 2580.  mkuzmeski@eo.kollmorgen.com

Solar Field Design Scientist/Engineer.  Sundrop Fuels.  Qualifications:  BS or MS in Optics.  Experience with the use of non-sequential modelers (ZEMAX or equivalent) for optimization of non-imaging collection optics in solar or illumination applications.  Job Description:  This position is to be the solar field expert for Sundrop Fuels, responsible for the design and construction of the company's solar fields and their interface to the receiver.  Position will be responsible for modeling of  solar field performance to support design trades and co-optimization with receiver optics.  Position will also be involved in the design and construction of secondary solar concentrators and solar receivers.  The position will work with contractors, with Sundrop personnel, and with Sundrop consultants.   Position reports to the Director of Solar Engineering.  Contact:  Donna Kelley, Principal Engineer, Sundrop Fuels, 408-505-7416.

Students:  When you graduate and leave OSC, your subscription to Watt's Up automatically expires.  If you would like to continue your subscription, you may add (and later remove if you wish) your name to our Watt's Up listserv by visiting http://www.optics.arizona.edu/helpdesk/listserv.htm

Cathy Alexander

College of Optical Sciences, University of Arizona