The University of Arizona

College of Optical Sciences

 

Watt's Up

College of Optical Sciences News for September 4, 2008

 

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Today's Colloquium:  3:30 p.m. Meinel 307

 

OSC alumnus Yong-Hee Lee, PhD 1986, now with the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology Department of Physics, will present Two-Dimensional Photonic Crystal Nanolasers.  Hyatt Gibbs is the host. 

 

Abstract:  Recent progresses towards the smallest possible semiconductor photonic crystal lasers are to be discussed. Especially electrically-driven single-cell nondegenerate lasing cavities with a central node will be explained in detail. In addition, the effect of symmetry perturbation on photon coupling from a wavelength-scale photonic crystal resonator is discussed. And our recent demonstration of the reconfigurable microfiber-coupled photonic crystal resonator that confines photons in a Gaussian-potential-well will also be presented.

 

[References] 

  1. Hong-Gyu Park, et. al., "Electrically Driven Single-Cell Photonic Crystal Laser" Science , 305 1444 (2004).

  2. Se-Heon Kim, et. al., "Vertical Beaming of Wavelength-scale Photonic Crystal Resonators", Phys. Rev. B 73, 235117 (2006).  

  3. Myung-Ki Kim, et. al., "Reconfigurable Microfiber-coupled Photonic Crystal Resonator," Opt. Express 15, 17241-17247 (2007).

Bio:  Professor Lee received his PhD in Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona. During his stay at AT&T Bell Laboratories, he demonstrated the 850-nm proton-implanted top-emitting VCSELs in 1990. In 1991, he joined the Department of Physics in KAIST and has continued his researches on VCSELs. Recently his main interest lies on photonic band gap laser structures and nano-photonic integrated optical circuits. His laboratory demonstrated various forms of 2-D photonic band gap lasers from triangular and rectangular lattices. He received the National Academy of Sciences Award (Natural Science) in 2002 and the 2003 IEEE LEOS Distinguished Lecturer Award. He was elected as an IEEE Fellow in 2007. He co-authored more than 140 international journal papers related to VCSELs and photonic crystals. He is serving as an associate editor of Optics Express.

 


 

Friday's OSC Community Speakers:  Noon.  Meinel 410

Sponsored by the OSA/SPIE Student Optics Chapter

 

(1)  At noon, Michael Kudenov will present Reverse Engineering of a Consumer Digital SLR for Affordable Astronomical Imaging: Thermal and Amplifier Noise Reduction. 

 

Abstract:  The use of CCD and CMOS imagers in amateur astronomy has increased significantly over the past decade. The primary reason for this digital boon is, of course, the decreasing cost and increasing performance of digital imagers. However, astronomical imaging is significantly more demanding than conventional imaging. So while costs have decreased in the consumer market, costs are still somewhat high for mid-range (~ 0.39-1 Mpixels) dedicated astrophotographic imagers most amateur astronomers have access to. Higher-range systems (> 4 Mpixels) are usually way beyond financial reach. This is the primary reason why digital SLR cameras have been popular as of late for amateurs: high resolution at a low price with good performance, however there’s still much to be desired. In this talk, I discuss the conversion of an inexpensive Canon Digital Rebel 6.1 Mpixel SLR into a dedicated astrophotographic system, optimized for low noise long-exposure (> 1 hour) astronomical imaging. Examples of the noise before and after the modification, details on the circuit, as well as some images that I have taken with the camera through my telescope will be presented.

 

(2)  At 12:30, Pierre-Alexandre Blanche will present The Holographic 3D Display Project

 

Abstract:  The aim of this project is to generate refreshable holographic 3D images using a photorefractive polymer material.  Photorefractive polymers are organic materials that change their index of refraction when illuminated. So they can be used as a holographic recording medium. Prof. Peyghambarian's group study those materials since more than 10 years and has been the on the forefront in major discoveries on that topic.  Photorefractive materials are now mature for applications and we are developing a large display playing 3D images that can be erased and refreshed within a few minutes.  Other target applications are: laser beam amplification, signal restoration, non-destructive testing, data storage …

 


 

Next Week's Colloquium:  3:30 p.m. in Meinel 307

 

OSC alumnus Till W. Liepmann, PhD 1983, will present Technology and Science of the JWST Space Observatory.

 

Abstract:  This presentation will describe the desire of cosmologists and the technology behind the development of the future cryogenic space based telescope.  Topics will include the optical design of the telescope, details of the instruments, interesting information about the "orbit", and discussion of what we hope to learn from this project.  There are several technologies that had to be developed for this project, including image based adaptive optics, cryogenic opto-mechanical structure, large detector focal plane arrays, MEMS micro shutters, light weight beryllium mirrors, hexapod actuators, and cryogenic electronics.

 


 

Unusual Antique Optics on Loan to OSC

 

If you have a few minutes to spare, take a short elevator ride to the seventh floor where the bridge between the original building and the new West Wing currently houses a very special collection of twin-telescope binoculars on loan from David Steed.  The unusual binoculars complement OSC's permanent collection of antique and historic telescopes, microscopes, lenses, and cameras.  The permanent collection is housed at various locations throughout OSC and visitors are welcome Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

Faculty News

 

Just Published

 

Geometrical and Trigonometric Optics

by Eustace L. Dereniak and Teresa D. Dereniak.

 

Hardcover:  424 pages.  Publisher:  Cambridge University Press.  Language:  English.

ISBN-10:  0521887461.  ISBN-13.  978-0521887465.

 

The book is due to be released on September 30.  Copies will be available through UA's bookstore or you may pre-order a copy through Amazon.com.

 

Here's what the publisher, Cambridge University Press, has to say about the book:

 

Geometrical and Trigonometric Optics"In recent years optics has evolved into one of the most flourishing fields in physics.  photonics has found increasing application in products ranging from optical thermometers, camera monitors, and LED lighting, to numerous military applications.  This book covers the geometrical aspects of optics, the fundamental level of understanding the technology.

 

"A comprehensive treatment of the subject, the textbook begins with how light is generated, and how fast it travels.  The concepts of how materials, such as glass, interact with light, and how various materials affect the velocity of light, are discussed, as well as the famifications of change in the speed of light.  The concept of the index of refraction, and how it is used with Snell's law to produce image forming systems, is developed.

 

"An ideal textbook for advanced undergraduate level courses in geometrical optics, this book will also interest those who wish to learn the concepts and theory of geometrical optics.  Each chapter contains worked examples, and there are exercises to reinforce the reader's understanding of the material."

 

The book grew out of class notes developed for Eustace's undergraduate optics classes here at OSC and is designed to be completed during a 16-week semester.  Eustace's list of people who helped and encouraged the writing of the book reads like a Who's Who of Tucson's optics community:  Bill Wolfe, Bob Shannon, Margy Green, Barbara Grant, Tracy Heran, Trish Pettijohn, Andre Alenin, Andrea Amaro, Erik Arendt, Riley Aumiller, Ruth Burzik, Ken Cardell, Erika Counselor, Julia Craven, Steven Dzuiban, Les Foo, Nathan Hagen, Darren Jackson, Michael Kudenov, Jeremiah Lange, KrIs LaPorte, Elias Martinez, Tracie Mosciski, Darren Miller, Jonathon Nation, Mike Nofziger, Viginia Pasek, Luz Palomarez, Logan Pastor, Jeff Richie, Louie Rosiek, Jim Scholl, Tim Shih, Katia Shtyrkova, James Tawney, Tomasz Tkacayk, Dorothy Tinkler, Corrie Vandervlugt, and Emma Walker.

 

Cambridge also gives us a short bio of the authors:  "Eustace L. Dereniak is a Professor of Optical Sciences and Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Arizona. His research interests are in the areas of detectors for optical radiation, imaging spectrometers, and imaging polarimeter instrument development.  Teresa D. Dereniak received her Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Masters in Business Administration from Cornell University.  Her technical experience consists of product development engineering in the biomedical field."

 

Are the authors related?  Yes.  They are father and daughter.

 

Watts Happening

 

Happy Birthday and Best Wishes for a Wonderful Year

 

September 15 

Ghassan Jabbour (gej@optics.arizona.edu)

 

September 16

Brian Anderson (bpa@optics.arizona.edu)
Sukumar Murali (smurali@optics.arizona.edu)

 

September 17

Ricky Blakley (uranoport@msn.com)
Zachary Denny (zhdenny@email.arizona.edu)
Joe McCollough (jmccollough@optics.arizona.edu)
Stefano Young (syoung@optics.arizona.edu)

 

September 18

Daniel Blanco (dblanco@dakotacom.net)
Alan Kost (akost@arizona.edu)
Proteep Mallik (pmallik@optics.arizona.edu)

 

September 19

Cory Christenson
Gerard Desroches (gdesroches@elcan.com)

 

September 20

Pierre St. Hilaire (pierre@optics.arizona.edu)

 

September 21

Rolf Binder (rbinder@u.arizona.edu)

 


 

OSC Calendar

 

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

OSC Colloquium.  3:30 p.m.  Meinel 307. 

 

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.

 

September 5

OSC Community Speakers.  Noon.  Meinel 410.

 

September 5

Sports Friday:  Kickball.  5:30 p.m.  UA Mall.

 

September 5

Last day of UA Open Enrollment for benefits-eligible employees.

 

September 11

OSC Colloquium.  3:30 p.m.  Meinel 307.

 


 

On Campus

 

September 4

AME Seminar.  4:00 p.m.  AME Lecture Hall, Room S212.  Jennifer Kehlet Barton will present Endoscopes for Optical Coherence Imaging and Fluorescence Spectroscopy: Design and Applications.

 

September 5

Physics Colloquium.  2:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.  PAS 218.  Sumit Mazumdar will present Repulsive Coulomb Interactions and Unconventional Superconductivity.  A graduate student talk will follow.

 

September 8

BME Seminar.  2:00 p.m. Keating 103.  Kevin Bennett, Assistant Professor of Bioengineering at Arizona State University, will present Molecular MRI of the Extracellular Matrix.

 

September 10

UA Career Services Kick-Off.  11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Career Services, Suite 411, Student Union Memorial Center.  Students who attend will have the opportunity to get their resumes critiqued, sign up for interviews, learn about Career Services resources, receive helpful advice, win fun stuff, and more -- much more.

 

Employment

 

Edmund Optics

 

Edmund Optics AmericaEdmund Optics will be hosting a MEGA OPTICS JOB FAIR for talented optics professionals. Pre-register for the job fair by sending your resume to EOCareers@edmundoptics.com and be entered in a drawing for a GPS system. Those applicants whose background and skills match our current needs will be contacted for a personal interview to be scheduled September 16th or 17th.  The MEGA OPTICS JOB FAIR will be held at: Woodcliff Hotel & Spa, 199 Woodcliff Drive, Fairport, NY 14450 on Tuesday, September 16 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and on Wednesday, September 17 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

 

Due to recent growth and expansion, the following opportunities are available for experienced optics professionals:

 

Barrington, New Jersey: 

  • Application Engineer – Quote Assessment Group – 10+ years experience – Handles technical feasibility and specification development with customers seeking custom optical products. Assists in all aspects of the Request For Quote (RFQ) process and application support for custom optics customers. Optics manufacturing exposure preferred but not required. 

  • Product Support Engineer – 5+ years experience – Responsible for technical customer support as well as various sales, marketing, and technical projects related to Edmund Optics standard products. Occasional trade show support and customer visit support.

  • Quality Assurance Engineer – 5+ years experience – Responsible for quality control systems and procedures. Develops interdepartmental QA processes and contributes to overall technical and management team.

Pennsburg, Pennsylvania:

  • CNC Diamond Turning Technician – 5+ years experience, BS in technical field preferred – Performs production operations in the fabrication of precision molds and optics using CNC Diamond Turning equipment.

  • Optical Coating Technicians – 2+ years experience preferred – Responsible for operation of vacuum coating equipment including set-up, load and operation; use of metrology equipment to measure coating performance (1st, 2nd and 3rd shifts available).

  • Optical Fabrication Technicians – 5+ years experience, AA degree preferred – Performs all aspects in the fabrication of optics using conventional and CNC operations; performs visual inspection and optical tests to determine quality (1st and 2nd shift available).

  • Optical Fabrication Process Engineer – 5+ years experience, BS in technical field preferred – Responsible for improving optical fabrication processes, tooling and metrology in a production environment.

  • Program Manager – 15+ years experience plus a Bachelor's Degree – Master's Degree preferred - Drives defense programs by defining the objectives and strategies of the program, ensuring completion per schedules and delivery of required products to the customer. Experience within Defense industry environment required.

  • Quality Assurance Engineer – 5+ years experience – Responsible for quality control systems and procedures. Develops interdepartmental QA processes and contributes to overall technical and management team.

Please submit your resume and cover letter with salary requirements to: EO Mega Job Fair, Edmund Optics, 101 E. Gloucester Pike, Barrington, NJ 08007 U.S.A.  Email: EOcareers@edmundoptics.com

 

Edmund Optics

is a College of Optical Sciences Industrial Affiliate at the Principal Partners Level

 


 

Agency Listing.  Electrical Engineer.  Reports to:  Chief Engineer.  Key Cultural Competencies:  Highly ethical, honest, operates from the highest levels of integrity.  Team player, team oriented.  Professional in demeanor and appearance, graceful under pressure.  Values free enterprise, patriotic.  High work ethic.  Life long learner, always seeks to grow professionally and personally.  Responsible and accountable.  Organized, attentive to details, strong planner.  Passionate for his/her work, self motivated.  Exceptional verbal and written communicator.  Positive and energetic, skilled at building relationships, deals effectively with people at all levels.  Dedicated, loyal.  Innovative.  Flexible, values change management.  Have a strong sense of service for both internal and external customers.  Produces desired results on time and on budget.  Required Qualifications:  US Citizen.  At least 3 years experience as an engineer in a highly technical, R&D, and manufacturing environment.  Bachelor’s degree or higher in electrical engineering.  Experience and competence with high speed digital applications and analog design.  Working knowledge of Altium and circuit board layout competence preferably with Altium.  Competence with Virtex 4 or 5.  Programming with HDL language and with FPGA applications.  Significant systems integration and testing experience.  Ability to read and understand mechanical drawings, electronic schematics, and software flowcharts.  Expertise with Microsoft Project and Access.  Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:  Digital and/or analog circuit design.  HDL programming of FPGA devices.  Programming of embedded processors using C, C++ or C# languages/dialects.  Making technical presentations to existing and prospective clients.  Developing efficient and cost-effective, best-value type product designs.  Others as identified and assigned.  Contact:  Ron and Mandy Powers at r.mpowers@verizon.net

 

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Cathy Alexander

Information Specialist Coordinator

College of Optical Sciences, University of Arizona

cathy.alexander@optics.arizona.edu