Watt's Up

College of Optical Sciences News for February 5, 2009

Watt's Happening |  Employment | Subscribe

Today's Colloquium.  3:45 p.m.  Meinel 307

Mark Kahan, Chief and Director,  Electro-Optical Systems Engineering, Optical Research Associates, will present Optical Systems Engineering – From the Navy to the 3-Little Pigs to the Hubble Space Telescope and Beyond, We Highlight Some Key Take-Aways/Lessons Learned.   Russell Chipman is the host.

Abstract:  Optics is in such a broad spectrum of hardware today that there's nearly an infinite variety of ways to fail. Through a series of vignettes, we'll stumble down a Lesson's Learned memory-lane

Bio:  Mark Kahan is Optical Research Associates’ Chief Electro-Optical Systems Engineer, and ORA’s Director of Electro-Optical Systems Engineering at the company’s East Coast office. Over the past 40+ years he has served regularly as lead optical systems engineer, chief engineer, or as an advisor on critical programs of high optical engineering content. With degrees from Tufts and Northeastern in subjects as diverse as Structural  Mechanics, he is a recognized expert on optical systems engineering / environmental effects, and is a Fellow of the SPIE, a Past President of the NE Section of the OSA, and a Mentor of Several Programs involved in the optical training of students and teachers. Mark is also a lecturer in optics, and has won numerous awards for technical excellence, & for outstanding civic service.

Friday's Special Seminar.  10:00 a.m.  Meinel 701

Robert L. Kosut,  SC Solutions, will present Quantum Estimation via Convex Optimization.  Poul Jessen is the host.

Abstract:  The rules of quantum mechanics herald new types of materials and devices. Quantum information systems and instruments of measurement, for example, promise an exponential improvement in speed and/or resolution compared to their classical counterparts. Many of these systems inherently rely on estimation for their normal operation. Some will require some form of estimation to determine if the system is meeting performance demands. In many cases estimation is used for gaining an understanding of observed phenomena.  Quantum estimation generally refers to the use of measured data to infer properties of the quantum system or to characterize the dynamics. A number of problems in quantum estimation can be formulated as a convex optimization. These include: quantum state tomography, quantum process tomography, quantum state detection, and optimal experiment design. Optimal experiment design for Hamiltonian parameter estimation is a convex optimization problem even though the estimation problem it self is not. Quantum process tomography together with optimal quantum error correction (also a convex optimization) heralds a ``black box' approach to error correction: iterate the results of quantum process tomography and optimal quantum error correction.  In this talk convex optimization will be briefly reviewed followed by a description of how these various quantum estimation problems can be cast as a convex optimization. MATLAB based software to solve these problems is freely available and relatively easy to use.

Friday's OSC Community Speakers.  Noon.  Meinel 410

Carl Maes, OSC's Associate Dean for Academic Programs, will present Everything You Wanted to Know About our Industrial Affiliates Session But Were Afraid to Ask.

Randy Aceta, UA Eller College of Management, will present The McGuire Entrepreneurship Program. 

McGuire Abstract:   Advance your ideas to reality: the top-ranked McGuire Entrepreneurship Program is now accepting applications for the class of 2009-2010. The one-year Entrepreneurship series of classes is open to graduate students throughout the University. Optimize your professional and academic opportunities by learning how to move an idea from concept to implementation. No business background required – we’ll train you in new venture development. Recent graduate student start-ups such as LensSense (optics), 50 Mile Farms (agriculture), Innovis (chemistry) and others have been recognized in local and national press, including the Arizona Daily Star, the U.S. News and World Report, and others.

Next Week's Colloquium:  3:45 p.m.  Meinel 307

Rolf Binder, UA College of Optical Sciences, will present Of Loops and Ladders: Green's Functions in Nonlinear Semiconductor Optics.  Stanley Pau is the host.

Do You Need to Take a Machine Shop Safety Course?

From Kevin Erwin.  If you are interested in taking a 6-week Machine Shop Safety Course at the University Research Instrumentation Center this semester, please contact Kevin Erwin at kevin@optics.arizona.edu  This course costs approximately $258.00, paid for by the student or charged to an account authorized by the student’s supervisor.  We need to have a minimum of 10 applicants in order to offer the course this semester.

Carl Zeiss' Optics Roadshow to Visit UA on Feb 10 and 11

Carl Zeiss is taking their optics show on the road in February, kicking off a five-month Zeiss on your Campus tour comprised of lectures and hands-on sessions.  Register at www.zeiss.com/signup  Choose the topics which best fit your application needs and sign up for the afternoon hands-on classes.   Attendance is free of charge.  Please sign up early because the number of participants is limited, especially for the hands-on classes.  Educational materials and free software for image viewing and manipulation will be provided to all participants. 

February 10:  10:00 a.m. to noon.  Talk 1: Comparison of Imaging Systems From Classical to Cutting-Edge.

February 10:  1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Hands-on session (FULL).

February 11:  10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  Talk 1: Optimizing Your Imaging

February 11:  11:00 a.m. to noon.  Talk 2: Separating Fluorescent Light Based on Color.

February 11:  1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Hands-on session (Max: 15 participants) (repeated session)

We Wish Pat Gransie a Long and Happy Retirement

(click on the thumbnails for larger images)

Happy Birthday and Best Wishes for a Wonderful Year

February 9

Khanh Dinh (kdinh@email.arizona.edu)
Andrew Dotson (dots@email.arizona.edu)
Rakesh Kumar (rkumar@optics.arizona.edu)
Chen Lin (clin@optics.arizona.edu)
Philip Slater (philip.slater@optics.Arizona.EDU)

February 10

Oscar Martinez (omar14@email.arizona.edu)
James Nagel (jnagel@optics.arizona.edu)
Xiaorui Wang

February 11

Wenrui Cai (wcai@optics.arizona.edu)
Katie Schwertz (kschwertz@optics.arizona.edu)
Xinghua Wang (markxhwang@gmail.com)

February 12

Kevin Winn (kwinn@optics.arizona.edu)

February 13

Greg Rupper (grupper@optics.arizona.edu)

February 14

Jerome Moloney (jml@acms.Arizona.EDU)

February 15

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

OSC Calendar

February 6

Special Seminar.  10:00 a.m.  Meinel 701. 

February 6

OSC Sports Friday.  5:30 p.m.  This week it's Cricket on the field next to the tennis courts.

February 6

OSC Community Speakers.  Noon.  Meinel 410

February 12

Colloquium.  3:30 p.m.  Meinel 307

February 13

OSC Sports Friday.  5:30 p.m.  Location is TBA

February 17

WIO Reception with Mari Edmund.  4:00 p.m.  Location is TBA

February 17 and 18

Prelims -- good luck students!

February 24 and 25

Industrial Affiliates Spring Workshop.  All day.  Meinel building

On Campus

February 5

February 6

Physics Colloquium.  PAS 224.   2:15 Grad student presentation.   3:00 p.m.  Dr. Steven Cundiff, JILA, NIST and University of Colorado, will present Optical Two-Dimensional Fourier Transform Spectroscopy of Semiconductors

February 9

ECE Distinguished Speaker Seminar.  3:00 p.m.  Student Union Presidio Room.  David G. Stork, Chief Scientist, Ricoh Innovations, will present Overthrowing Some Old Optical Principles in the New World of Computational Imaging.

February 11

Mathematical Physics Seminar.  1:00 p.m.  Math 402.  Ben Dyhr, UA Department of Mathematics, will present Asymptotic Behavior of SLE with Drift

Ball Aerospace is an OSC Industrial Affiliate at the Leadership Partners level

Employment Interviews at OSC.  Ball Aerospace.  Ball Aerospace will be interviewing on February 25 and 26.  Please sign up in the Academic Programs Office, Room 403B. Ball Aerospace will also participate in the Spring 2009 Industrial Affiliates Workshop, February 24 and 25.

Technical Intern III, Optical.  Ball Aerospace.  Location:  Boulder/Broomfield, Colorado.  Job #588444.  This is a temporary full-time position during summer 2009.  Who We Are:  Ball Aerospace is a leader in design, development and manufacture of innovative aerospace systems. We produce spacecraft, instruments and sensors, RF and microwave technologies, data exploitation solutions and a variety of advanced aerospace technologies and products that enable exciting missions.  Ball Aerospace is known for its contributions in support of space and Earth science, exploration, national security and intelligence programs. We were also a pioneer in the development of the commercial remote sensing market, producing imaging systems and spacecraft that helped spawn a new market-driven demand for imagery. Our projects offer some of the most difficult and exciting challenges in aerospace.   We employ approximately 3,000 talented engineers, scientists, technicians and support staff.  And one of the keys to our success is our people. Our employees take great pride in their contributions to better understanding our planet and protecting the nation.  Summer Intern Program:  The Ball Aerospace Internship Program is a ten week summer program that provides candidates with: Practical experience on relevant aerospace and telecommunication projects while working with designated mentors.  A competitive salary.  Access to state-of-the-art equipment.  Possible future employment .  Housing assistance.  Relocation reimbursement.  In-house training.  Group activities.  There are many recreational opportunities along the Colorado Front Range.  Our state is famous for its skiing, hiking, biking, mountain climbing and beautiful scenery.  We are also just 30 minutes from Denver, with access to all of the amenities that the mile high city has to offer.   Over the course of a summer session, students are encouraged to participate in social and recreational activities, many of which are organized by the college relations department.  Mentors and department co-workers enjoy spending time with students at many of the activities.  What You´ll Do as an Intern:  Will be involved in the Airborne Sensors Initiative (ASI) and Electro-Optical Sensors Initiative.   Will participate in laboratory characterization and airborne field testing of electro-optical instruments and reduction of collected data.   What You´ll Need:  Completion of Bachelor´s degree and enrollment in a Masters or PhD in Physics, Engineering, or Atmospheric Sciences.  Enrollment in a degree program for the fall 2009 semester.   An interest in remote sensing instrumentation and science applications of remote sensing data.  Familiarity with at least one of the following software packages:  IDL, LabView, or MatLab.  Radiometric knowledge, basic mechanical and electronic skills desired.  Good interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment.  Note:  You are welcome to apply for more than one type of internship (for example, Software Engineering and Electrical Engineering), however, we recommend only applying to one of these levels when submitting your resume:  Intern I = Between Sophomore and Junior year of Bachelor´s Degree.  Intern II = Between Junior and earning Bachelor´s Degree.  Intern III = After Bachelor's Degree has been obtained, starting or continuing working towards Masters degree or PHD.  Equal Opportunity Employer  M/F/D/V.  U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency is required.  To apply for this position, and to view all open positions at Ball Aerospace, please go to www.ballaerospace.com/careers.  All internship postings are located under the Job Function "Internship".  To sign up for an on-campus interview, please go to Academic Programs Office, room 403.

Information Session.  Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate, Fort Belvoir, Virginia.  NVESD will be conducting an information session on February 19, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and will also conduct on-campus interviews on February 20.  If you plan to attend, please sign up in the Academics Office, Meinel 403B.  NVESD is currently hiring electrical, optical, and computer engineers and physicists with bachelor’s or master’s degrees to work at its Fort Belvoir, Virginia laboratory facility. NVESD offers excellent career advancement to its entry-level engineers and scientists, hands-on technical assignments and advanced degree training opportunities.   About Night Vision:  The Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate (NVESD) provides the United States Army and Department of Defense with technology solutions for night vision and electronic sensors and sensor suites for target acquisition, engagement and defeat of enemy forces, day or night, and under all battlefield and weather conditions. NVESD’s primary research and development activities are in the areas of thermal imaging, low energy lasers, short wave infrared, image intensification, aided target recognition technology, sensor fusion, force protection, mine detection and neutralization and humanitarian demining.  Business areas at Night Vision:  Ground combat sensors:  Develop combat vehicle, soldier and Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) sensor systems to acquire and target enemy forces and for night fighting and driving.  Air sensors:  Develop rotocraft and Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) sensor systems to acquire and target enemy forces and for pilotage.  Countermine:  Develop systems to detect and neutralize mines, minefields and unexploded ordnance for military and humanitarian demining operations.  Science and technology:  Conduct research and foster maturation of Electro-Optics/Infrared (EO/IR) and countermine sensor components and of Aided Target Recognition (ATR) signal processing schemes.  Modeling and simulation:  Develop models and simulations and perform sensor component and systems performances analyses.  Special products and prototyping:  Develop unique systems to protect forward troops, fixed installations and rear echelons from enemy intrusion.  Current U.S. citizenship is required.

Senior Optical Engineer.  Clear Align.   Clear Align, Inc. is looking for an experienced Sr. Optical Engineer to join our rapidly-growing team. Clear Align designs, prototypes and manufactures custom imaging, sensing and fiber optic systems for defense, aerospace and commercial customers.  Clear Align’s imaging expertise spans the UV, visible, NIR, SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR portions of the spectrum, delivering both narrow- and wide field-of-view systems.  Fiber-optic and sensing expertise includes optical integration for communications, remote sensing and targeting, as well as medical fiber optics.  Members of our team bring deep domain expertise in their areas of study combined with excellent project management and communication skills enabling small product-focused teams to deliver value quickly and effectively.  If you are driven to exceed the objectives regularly set by your current organization, then a position in this organization may be the perfect fit.  Essential duries and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.  • Designing and analyzing multielement lenses systems (visible, NIR, MWIR, LWIR)   • Tolerancing optical designs and systems  • Specifying and managing optical fabrication, alignment, and integration processes  • Performing optical testing, including interferometric and MTF testing  • Redesigning optical systems to accommodate fabrication errors   • Evaluating stray light through non-sequential ray tracing   • Designing and analyzing lidar systems and specifying focal-plane arrays  The candidate should have the following attributes:  • 10+ years experience in the optical design using ZEMAX or Code V  • MS in Optics or equivalent experience  • Proficiency in optical principles and optical design   • Working knowledge of mechanical design and mechanical layout   • Hands-on experience in optical testing  • Working knowledge of components, component failure modes, MIL Specs, and MIL Standards  • Demonstrated ability to work in a cohesive team environment   • Superior communication, organization, and math skills  • U.S. citizenship required.  Clear Align is an equal-opportunity employer.  Clear Align  www.clearalign.com  Attn: Jeff Miller, Director of Recruiting,  2550 Boulevard of the Generals, Suite 280, Eagleville, PA 19403  careers@clearalign.com  484-956-0510.

Documentation Specialist.  Clear Align.  Summary:  We are currently looking for a sharp, motivated Documentation Specialist to join our fast-paced team. Clear Align designs, prototypes and manufactures custom imaging, sensing and fiber optic systems for defense, aerospace and commercial customers. Clear Align’s imaging expertise spans the UV, visible, NIR, SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR portions of the spectrum, delivering both narrow- and wide field-of-view systems.  Fiber-optic and sensing expertise includes optical integration for communications, remote sensing and targeting, as well as medical fiber optics. In our fiber optics department we deliver custom packaging solutions as well as design, integrate, and test fiber-optic modules that incorporate passive and active components for both terrestrial and space-based applications.  Essential duties and responsibilities include the following:  The primary responsibilities of the documentation specialist will be performing technical documentation and data reporting functions in support of Clear Align’s Quality organization. The successful candidate will create and maintain quality-related documents and programs as related to high precision optical assembly, and will also provide administrative and logistical support in relation to these activities.  The candidate should have the following attributes: • Strong mathematical and analytical skills including algebra, statistics, and trigonometry.  • Great attention to detail necessary to be successful in this role  • Advanced Microsoft Excel, Word and Power Point skills required.  • Excellent communications skills and interpersonal skills.  • Experience with ISO 9000 and AS9100 implementations and auditing.   • Previous high-tech manufacturing/industry experience required.  • Government/military background and optics experience would be a plus but not required.  • Candidate will be tested for attention to detail, mathematics and computer skills  • U.S. Citizenship Required.  Clear Align is an equal-opportunity employer.  www.clearalign.com  Attn: Jeff Miller, Director of Recruiting  2550 Boulevard of the Generals, Suite 280, Eagleville, PA 19403  careers@clearalign.com  484-956-0510.

IR and Visible Imaging Assembly Engineer.  Clear Align.  Clear Align, Inc. is looking for an experienced IR and Visible Imaging Assembly Engineer to join our rapidly-growing team. Clear Align designs, prototypes and manufactures custom imaging, sensing and fiber optic systems for defense, aerospace and commercial customers.  Clear Align’s imaging expertise spans the UV, visible, NIR, SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR portions of the spectrum, delivering both narrow- and wide field-of-view systems.  Fiber-optic and sensing expertise includes optical integration for communications, remote sensing and targeting, as well as medical fiber optics.   Members of our team bring deep domain expertise in their areas of study combined with excellent project management and communication skills enabling small product-focused teams to deliver value quickly and effectively.  If you are driven to exceed the objectives regularly set by your current organization, then a position in this organization may be the perfect fit.  Essential duties and responsibilities include the following.  Other duties may be assigned.  • 10-plus years experience building IR and Visible optical systems  • Developing and applying assembly methods for optical components including lenses, imaging systems, sensors, lasers, and fiber optics   • Developing and applying quality control of optical sub-assembly and alignment processes.  • Developing and applying standard operating procedures for instrument alignment and configuration   • Reading and understanding engineering drawings and specifications  • Conducting optical system alignments  • Testing assembled systems using interferometry  • Measuring radii, surface irregularities, air spaces, and lens thicknesses  • Troubleshooting optical systems based on testing results  • Training and mentoring assembly technicians.  The candidate should have the following attributes:  • BS in Mechanical Engineering Technology/Mechanical Engineering plus ten years of hands-on experience  • High level of discipline in carrying out technical activities, developing and following standard operating procedures, and documenting test methods and results  • Strong optical testing skills  • Strong hands-on system assembly experience  • Good understanding of the relationship between alignment methods and system performance  • Working knowledge of components, component failure modes, MIL Specs, and MIL Standards  • Experience working with epoxies and potting compounds  • Demonstrated skill in computer documentation  • Ability to work well in a team environment  • Excellent analytical/problem-solving skills, including problem identification, analysis, action planning, and execution  • Good written and verbal presentation skills and a proven ability to analyze data and present results and conclusions  • Excellent time management, organizational and communication skills.  • A consistent history of setting and meeting technical and timeline objectives   • U.S. citizenship.   Clear Align is an equal-opportunity employer.  Clear Align  www.clearalign.com  Attn: Jeff Miller, Director of Recruiting, 2550 Boulevard of the Generals, Suite 280, Eagleville, PA 19403  careers@clearalign.com  484-956-0510.

Quality Assurance Manager.  Clear Align.  Summary:  Work for a company that values Quality Operations and rewards every employee for delivering quality product. We are looking for an experienced quality superstar to join our rapidly-growing team. Clear Align designs, prototypes and manufactures custom imaging, sensing and fiber optic systems for defense, aerospace and commercial customers. Clear Align’s imaging expertise spans the UV, visible, NIR, SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR portions of the spectrum, delivering both narrow- and wide field-of-view systems. Fiber-optic and sensing expertise includes optical integration for communications, remote sensing and targeting, as well as medical fiber optics.  Clear Align houses a highly sophisticated facility and engineering team in an organizational structure that is nimble, customer-driven and non-bureaucratic. We’re looking for a dedicated Quality Assurance Manager with a demonstrated track record of success serving the defense market.  This individual will build, lead and enhance the Clear Align Quality organization. The candidate will be responsible for proactively managing and evaluating our quality system, developing quality audit programs, overseeing incoming inspection, and proactively managing suppliers. If you are driven to exceed the objectives regularly set by your current organization, then a position with Clear Align may be the perfect fit.  This is currently a 1 year contract position that could be extended.   Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.  Quality Assurance Engineer activities include design and specification reviews, direct the flow-down of quality/reliability requirements for procurements, in-house fabrication and assemblies through test monitoring and government buyoff for both the fiber optic and electro-optical sensor product line.  Manage ISO9000, AS9100 and MIL883 quality system implementation.  Heavy emphasis on manufacturing process characterization, qualification, and reliability assessment.  Manage application of statistical tools (SPC, DOE, 6 Sigma, Taguchi Matrix, etc.).   Understands government (DOD) quality requirements and assures these requirements are met by the program: Terrestrial and submarine fiber-optic system, Military optical systems for field deployment, Space applications.  Communicates and meets with suppliers regarding quality performance issues and drives for corrective actions.  Works with customer support and local representatives to solve product quality problems in the field.  Works as a partner with the production team.  Participates as a member of the Material Review Board and determines quality targets for quarterly bonus programs.  Familiar with the need for a methodical approach to ensure product design stability and maturity.  Knowledgeable about Quality Standards used for commercial and military products a plus (Telcordia, MIL-STD).  The candidate should have the following attributes:  ISO 9000, AS 9100, MIL883, Malcolm Baldridge, or other Quality Management System Training/Experience is required.  B.S. Degree in Engineering or equivalent experience.   ASQ Certified Quality Manager or Engineer Preferred.  U.S. citizenship is required.  5+ years of related Quality Experience.  Familiarity with Visual Manufacturing ERP System is a plus.  Clear Align is an equal-opportunity employer  www.clearalign.com  Attn: Jeff Miller, Director of Recruiting, 2550 Boulevard of the Generals, Suite 280, Eagleville, PA 19403  careers@clearalign.com  484-956-0510.