The University of Arizona

College of Optical Sciences

 

Watt's Up

 

College of Optical Sciences News for April 9, 2009

 

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Today's Colloquium.  April 9.  3:45 p.m.  Meinel 307

and

Friday's OSC Community Speakers.  April 10.  Noon.  Meinel 410

 

This may be a first for us:  Our Colloquium speaker and our Community Speakers guest are one and the same person and will present the same talk twice, doubling your opportunity to catch the presentation.  We would like to express our appreciation to OSA Student Services for making Dr. Bigiol's visit a reality for the Community Speakers series and to Dr. Bigiol for agreeing to give the presentation at our Colloquium also.

 

Dr. Irving Bigiol, Boston University Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Physics, and Medicine, will present Elastic Light Scattering Spectroscopy for the Detection of Pre-Cancer.  Stanley Pau is the host.

 

Abstract:  Optical spectroscopy mediated by fiber-optic probes can be used to perform noninvasive, or minimally-invasive, real-time assessment of tissue pathology in-situ. The method of elastic-scattering spectroscopy (ESS) is sensitive to the sub-cellular architectural changes, such as nuclear grade and nuclear to cytoplasm ratio, mitochondrial size and density, etc., which correlate with features used by pathologists when performing histological assessment. The ESS method senses those morphology changes without actually imaging the microscopic structure. Clinical demonstrations of ESS have been conducted in a variety of organ sites, with promising results, and larger-scale clinical studies are now ongoing. We have recently developed an analytical model that extracts, from the ESS spectra, the underlying physical correlates of the tissue relating to disease.

 


 

Special Presentation.  April 17.  3:00 p.m.  Meinel 307.

 

Elsa Garmire, PhD, will present Scientists in the State Department, or How I Spent my Sabbatical.  The presentation is sponsored by OSA and presented by OSC's Women in Optics.

 

Abstract:  Dr. Garmire spent her sabbatical year as Jefferson Science Fellow in the U. S. State Department's Office of International Communications and Information Policy.  Her role was to offer technical insights into important issues.  This talk will describe opportunities in the policy arena that are available to those with PhDs in the sciences.

 

Issues worked on in her office included:  international agreements on allocating different frequencies in the electromagnetic spectrum for different applications, especially broadband communications; resolving disagreements over allocated satellite orbits; ensuring the integrity of submarine fiber optic telecommunications cables; supporting the dominant American role in the internet; supporting other concerned parties on internet security and safety.  In addition to our negotiating role, we also promoted expanding telecommunications in developing countries, which can offer huge economic, health and educational benefits.

 

Bio:  Elsa Garmire is Sydney E. Junkins Professor of Engineering Sciences at Dartmouth College, Hanover New Hampshire, where she served as Dean of the Thayer School of Engineering from 1995 - 1997.  She has served on the boards of five professional societies and as President of the Optical Society of America.  Her research has focused on lasers and optics, including opto-electronics, nonlinear optics, optical devices, fiber optics, quantum electronics, device fabrication and semiconductors. 

 

Elsa Garmire's presentation is open to everyone.  If you have any questions, please contact the Women in Optics group at WIOBoard@optics.arizona.edu

 


 

Next Week's Colloquium.  April 16.  3:30 p.m.  Meinel 307

 

Jennifer Barton, University of Arizona Biomedical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering and Optical Sciences, is the scheduled speaker.

 


 

Thank You

 

Thank you all for the great turnout for Tuesday's group photo.  Our photographer has promised proof copies in a few days and we'll make low-resolution versions available as soon as we can.  Thanks again!

 


 

Matthew and Meredith Kupinski

 

Matt and Meredith were married on March 21 at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.

 

Congratulations   We wish you a long and happy life together.

 

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UA Service Awards

 

Congratulations to OSC faculty and staff who were honored yesterday at the Annual Service Awards Luncheon hosted by UA President Robert Shelton

Harry Barrett 

35 yrs

Rolf Binder

20 Yrs

Jorg Hader

10 Yrs

Stella Hostetler 

20 Yrs

Rob Kingston

30 Yrs

Tom Milster

20 Yrs

Jose Sasian

15 Yrs

Elena Temyanko 

10 Yrs

Gail Varin

10 Yrs

Jim Wyant 

35 Yrs

 


 

Graduate Writing Institute:  Get Started on Your Thesis -- Free

 

The Graduate College is sponsoring The Graduate Writing Institute to help graduate students improve their writing, get over their writing blocks and get a head start in writing their theses and dissertations.  This is not a workshop to help international students learn better English.  It is a workshop to help fluent students improve their writing.

 

Given tight budgets, this might be the last year for this free workshop. 

 

A three-week intensive writing program for UA graduate students primarily focusing on their theses and dissertation work.  The program runs from June 8 through June 26.  Classes run from 9:00 a.m. to noon on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.  There are also two sixty-minute tutorials on other dates.  The workshop will (1) Answer your most pressing writing questions, (2) Provide assistance with your writing project, (3) Focus on research papers, theses, or dissertations and (4) Introduce students to tools crucial for academic success. 

 

Applications may be downloaded at http://grad.arizona.edu/gwi/ or contact Sandi Bartell at 626-0095 or Donna Rabuck, Writing Skills Improvement Program, at 621-5849.  The application deadline is April 22.  Questions:  Contact Sandi Bartell at 626-0095, bartell@email.arizona.edu or Donna Rabuck at 621-5849,  drabuck@u.arizona.edu

 

Watts Happening

 

Happy Birthday and Best Wishes for a Wonderful Year

 

 

April 13

Isao Matsubara (imatsubara@cusa.canon.com)

 

April 14

Steven Felker (sfelker@optics.arizona.edu)

Sara Landau (slandau@optics.arizona.edu)

Michael Savard (msavard@opticalsupport.biz)

Tim Walrath (twalrath@optics.arizona.edu)

 

April 15

Amber Czajkowski (aczajkowski@optics.arizona.edu)

 

April 16

Will Rivera (wrivera@optics.arizona.edu)

 

April 17

Sooyong Nam (sooyong.nam@gmail.com)

 

April 18

Brian Myer (myer@optics.arizona.edu)

Laura Ross (laura@optics.arizona.edu)

Amy Winkler (awinkler@optics.arizona.edu)

 

April 19

Mitra Adeli (mitraa@email.arizona.edu)

Alejandra Lopez-Santiago (alejandra@optics.arizona.edu)

Amir Mach (mach@email.arizona.edu)

Rene Zehnder (rzehnder@optics.arizona.edu)

 


 

OSC Calendar

 

April 10

OSC Community Speakers.  Noon.  Meinel 410.

 

April 10

PhD Final Oral Exam.  2:30 p.m.  Meinel 701.  Vrushali Korde will present Optical Imaging Modalities: From Design to Diagnosis of Skin Cancer.

 

April 10

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

 

April 13

PhD Final Oral Exam.  11:00 a.m.  Meinel 821.  Christopher DeRose will present Electro-Optic Polymers: Materials and Devices.

 


 

On Campus

 

April 9

Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Seminar.  Bill Silin, AME PhD candidate, will present Aerodynamics and Flight Dynamics of Flapping-Wing Air Vehicles.  4:00 p.m.  AME Lecture hall, Room S212. 

 

April 10

Physics Colloquium.  Guest speaker Tim McKay, University of Michigan, will present Dark Energy Experiments: The DES and Beyond.  Grad student at 2:15.  Guest speaker at 3:00.  PAS 224.

 

April 15

Mathematical Physics Seminar.   1:00 p.m.  Math 402.  Tom LaGatta, UA Department of Mathematics, will present Riemannian First-Passage Percolation.

 

Employment

 

Postdoctoral Research Position – Optical Spectroscopy – Materials Synthesis.  Washington State University.  Institute for Shock Physics.  Applied Sciences Laboratory.  The Institute for Shock Physics’ (ISP) Applied Sciences Laboratory (ASL) at Washington State University has an immediate opening for a postdoctoral research associate to synthesize and characterize optical materials.  A PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or related field with a strong experimental background; the ability and interest to solve challenging interdisciplinary problems; the ability to deliver proof-of-concept results; and good communication skills are required.  Minimum requirements:  Hands-on experience with laser spectroscopy.  Hands-on experience materials synthesis.  The ideal candidate will have the following additional skills: Hands-on experience with vacuum equipment and operation.  Hands-on experience with wet-chemical synthesis procedures.  The ability and interest to pursue challenging, interdisciplinary problems, and good communication and organizational skills are essential.  Individuals with a strong desire to work in applied research within a contract research organization, and who are comfortable working within a milestone-driven project-management environment are encouraged to apply.  This is an ideal position for a creative, self-motivated individual.  Krista Loney, Administrative Assistant, Applied Sciences Laboratory, Washington State University,  Sirti Technology Center, Room 294D.  P.O. Box 1495, Spokane, WA 99210-1495.  (509) 358-7700.  (509) 358-2119 FAX.  loney@wsu.edu

 

Imaging Sensing Engineer.  Karl Storz.  For over 60 years, KARL STORZ has been a leading manufacturer of endoscopic equipment in the medical field.    Karl Storz Imaging (KSI) designs, develops, manufactures and services advanced video imaging systems and accessories.  Our work helps enable surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures and operations.  This sweeping medical revolution is sparing countless people unnecessary pain and promoting more positive outcomes worldwide.  Some companies are fun places to work.  Others make you feel good because their work helps people.  KSI is one of those rare companies that provide you with both.  We offer you a casual work environment which promotes a creative and academic environment.  We provide excellent tools, fun people, lots of snacks, and a 4 day work week.  With over 300 talented individuals working together in a team-oriented environment great things happen.  Our Goleta, California facility is close to downtown Santa Barbara, the University of California Santa Barbara campus, the beach, and the Santa Ynez mountains.   Santa Barbara is known as the American Riveria.  The following excellent opportunity is available at our KARL STORZ Imaging:  Image Sensing Engineer.  Selects optimal image sensing parameters, topologies and technologies to meet stated visualization requirements. Will research and verify CMOS- and CCD-based image sensors for future camera products. Develops instrumentation, protocols, and analysis software to characterize existing image sensors and multi-sensor assemblies. Performs sensor characterization tasks and writes test reports. Performs analysis of image sensors used in competitors camera systems.  BS in Electrical Engineering or Physics, MS preferred.  Experience in camera design or related field required.  Must have working knowledge of engineering computing software such as Matlab.  Knowledge of image sensing theory and technologies: CCD and CMOS imagers, colorimetry, color filter arrays, and trichroic prisms.  Knowledge of analog and digital television systems.  Knowledge of image processing techniques.  Experience in DSP techniques preferred.  We offer outstanding benefits, including company-paid medical/dental/vision and life insurance, as well as company matched 401(k).   If you are interested in making a difference in your own life and the lives of others, visit our website at:  www.karlstorz.com  Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/V/D.  Apply on line at: www.karlstorz.com 

 

 

Agency Listing.  Position #2:  Operations Manager, Polymer Optics Manufacturing Company. To apply:  http://www.maxhire.net/cp/?E55E6B361D43717B7E51122B77521A2604  Challenge:  We need an Operations Manager with verifiable leadership and management skills who can take this leading manufacturer of Single Point Diamond Turned and precision injection molded plastic optics to the next level.  Our Organization:  We are part of a leading international organization of world class optics companies with locations throughout Europe, Asia and the USA.  We are located 35 miles East of Los Angeles whereour group specializes in Polymer Optics manufacturing, providing complete custom capability for a variety of optical components.  As a leading manufacturer of Single Point Diamond Turned (SPDT) and precision injection molded plastic optics used in a wide range of defense and commercial markets, including thermal weapons sights; infrared; medical disposables; projection displays; biometrics; motion and presence sensors; CCD cameras; and laser collimation.  Reward:  This is an opportunity to make significant impact quickly within a growing organization where a proven leader who obtains results is needed and desired. The environment is entrepreneurial while leveraging larger company resources.  Competitive compensation and benefits package.  Objectives:  Develop, lead and manage staff through change while achieving employee satisfaction.   Continuously improve cost, quality and schedule for programs and projects.   Increase machine efficiency and utilization through LEAN Manufacturing and 5S techniques aimed at eliminating waste, streamlining processes and reducing cycle times.  Responsibilities:  Coach and motivate manufacturing staff in a non-threatening manner while instilling discipline and accountability.  Leverage knowledge of core polymer optics processes (injection molding, injection mold tooling, diamond turning, and coating) with the ability to contribute to estimating (quoting), manufacturing engineering, and problem solving challenging optics manufacturing.   Leverage understanding of basic accounting, cash flow, and financial metrics to improve financial tracking and results of programs.   Working with engineering and manufacturing personnel, develop detailed and accurate manufacturing standards.  Measure variances to standard from data gathered from ERP system to implement basic job costing and to evaluate individual jobs for profit or loss.  Improve upon basic BOM and routing structure to ensure that all manufacturing processes and cost centers are captured and accounted for.  Ensure compliance with defense industry protocols.  Experience with and knowledge of export compliance (ITAR a plus).  Efficiently schedule and manage direct labor based on varying production workload.   Results:  Meet schedule for on time product delivery.   Achieve first time quality measures for each project/program.  Cost reduction through improved efficiency on each program.   Be instrumental in achieving fiscal goals including operating cash flow, EBIT and revenue.   Improve employee productivity and satisfaction.   Qualifications:  BS degree in Engineering, Production Management or related fields.   Experience working within polymer optics.  Experience in defense industry protocols (Knowledge of export compliance/ ITAR).  Experience working in clean room manufacturing and assembly is strongly desired.  Bi-lingual (Spanish) a plus, but not required.  U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident status.  Excellent communication skills.  Ability and desire to affect change within a growing organization.  Ability to travel nationally and internationally (10%).  About Worldleaders:  Worldleaders, Inc. uses exceptional service and expertise to deliver effective leadership solutions for clients.  Headquartered in Rochester, NY, Worldleaders is a premier provider of senior-level executive search and leadership consulting services, including talent management, board building, executive on-boarding, and succession planning. 

 

Agency Listing.   Optical Design Engineer (Defense / Aerospace).  Company:  Member Company of international optics group focused on Defense and Aerospace.  Location:          Upstate New York.  Reports to:  Division President.  To Apply:         http://www.maxhire.net/cp/?E55E6F361D43717B7E51122B77511F2604  Challenge:  We need an Optical Design Engineer who breaks stereotypes – someone who likes to partner with clients, win bids, develop new business, and oversee programs and projects from start to finish.  Organization Overview:  Our client is an entrepreneurial group within an international organization of world-leading optics companies, with locations throughout the US, Europe and Asia.   They have an enviable reputation spanning over 100 years for providing advanced optical systems, equipment, modules and components for a diverse range of civilian and defense applications. This position is within their Defense Group.  Reward:  In this role, you’ll have a chance to leverage your optical engineering aptitude and leadership capability to directly impact company growth. You’ll also enjoy the flexibility of a small company culture, with the resources of an international organization.  You will receive a competitive compensation and benefits package.  Expected Results:  Develop optical designs that fully align to client requirements.  Develop proposals and statements of work that accurately capture client requirements in terms of scope, schedule and cost.  Win contracts.  Drive program management initiatives to ensure (distributed) solutions delivery is completed with predetermined quality, cost and schedule metrics.  Provide “after the sale” support as required by clients.   Qualifications:  US Citizenship required due to governmental requirements.  Knowledge and experience in system analysis, imaging optics and optical systems design for both Visual and Infrared spectrums.  State-of-the-art product/systems development experiences for volume production.  Experience with optical design and analysis software (e.g. Zemax, CodeV, FRED).  Knowledge of opto-mechanical assembly techniques.  Strong analytical and practical knowledge of geometrical and physical optics.  Solid understanding of statistical methods and design of experiments.  Solid understanding of design for manufacturing, including all documentation for the products release to manufacture.  BS degree and 5 years experience in relevant fields or military experience equivalency.  Effective written/verbal communication skills; computing skills (Windows, Microsoft Office)  National / international travel up to 25%.  About Worldleaders:  Worldleaders, Inc. uses exceptional service and expertise to deliver effective leadership solutions for clients.  Headquartered in Rochester, NY, Worldleaders is a premier provider of senior-level executive search and leadership consulting services, including talent management, board building, executive on-boarding, and succession planning.  To apply for this position, click the following link:  http://www.maxhire.net/cp/?E55E6F361D43717B7E51122B77511F2604

 

OSC On-Line Store

 

Short Courses | On-Line Classes | Clothing | Mugs

 

Short Courses on DVD

Ray Kostuk teaches SC703-07: Holographic Techniques for Advanced Photonic SystemsThese non-credit, self-paced courses are designed for professional engineers, scientists, technicians, and managers who wish to explore specific topics, technologies, and techniques without committing to a semester-long course.  The courses offer students an opportunity to continue their optics education anywhere, anytime:  at home, at work, on travel... the convenience is priceless. 

 

Virendra Mahajan teaches SC705-07: Exploring Optical AberrationsCourses are taught by faculty members at The University of Arizona's College of Optical Sciences and the short course content is derived from the College's respected academic curriculum.

 

For more information and to purchase, please visit:

http://www.optics.arizona.edu/ShortCourses/Default.htm

 

On-Line Classes

Rick Shoemaker teaches Opti 512LSemester-long, for-credit optics classes, delivered anywhere in the world. 

 

These are the same classes, taught by the same faculty members, that we offer to our on-campus students at The University of Arizona. 

 

Tom Milster teaches Opti 505Take individual courses tailored to your specific interests, earn a professional graduate certificate in optics, or complete a Master's degree in optical sciences -- all on-line.

 

For admission and cost, please visit:

http://www.optics.arizona.edu/academics/distance.htm

 

 

Student-Designed T-Shirts

oSC student-design tees100% cotton tees.  In addition to the three shirts shown at right, there's also a fourth shirt that comes in black.  All the shirts are available in broken sizes ranging from very small to quite large.  There are some children's sizes included in the mix.

 

Quantities are extremely limited.  These shirts were winners in our annual Student-T-Shirt Design Contest and are not available anywhere else. 

Price:  $12 each or 2 for $20.

To Purchase:  Bring cash to Sara Soto in Academics, Meinel 403.

 

 

OSC Baseball Caps

OSC cap frontThese distinctive caps are solid black with the OSC rainbow diamond embroidered over the bill in front and the words "Optical Sciences" arching across the back. 

 

Our high standards are reflected in the high quality of the cap:  it's made of 100% cotton twill with six venting eyelets and an adjustable Velcro closing in back for a custom fit.

 

OSC cap backPrice:  $12 each plus an additional fee for shipping if required.

 

To Purchase:  please contact Luz Palomarez in the Dean's office by e-mail at luz@optics.arizona.edu or by telephone at 520-621-6997 ext. 1.

 

OSC Alumni Polo Shirts

Alumni polo available in alumni redIdentify yourself as a member of one of the world's most elite groups -- College of Optical Sciences Alumni -- when you wear one of our amazing red polo shirts with OSC's signature rainbow diamond embroidered on the left front and the University of Arizona's red and blue block A on the right sleeve. 

The shirts come in a good range of sizes in both masculine and feminine versions.  They're exactly what you'd expect from the world's best optics school: 100% cotton pique, two-button placket, banded cuffs, taped back neck seam, even hem, and vented side seams.  Cap sold separately.

Price:  $25 each plus an additional fee for shipping if required.

To Purchase:  please contact Luz Palomarez in the Dean's office by e-mail at luz@optics.arizona.edu or by telephone at 520-621-6997 ext. 1.

 

 

OSC Polo Shirts

Men's polo available in red, white, or blueOur alumni shirts (above) are also available for non-alumni and are the same shirts that our students and faculty members wear when they represent OSC at professional functions.  The words under the rainbow diamond simply say "College of Optical Sciences. "  The shirts are available in a variety of sizes for men and women and come in three colors:  alumni red, UA blue, and white.

Opti 489/589 Student Outreach GroupPrice:  $25 each plus an additional fee for shipping if required.

To Purchase:  please contact Luz Palomarez in the Dean's office by e-mail at luz@optics.arizona.edu or by telephone at 520-621-6997 ext. 1.

 

OSC Mugs

Cobalt blue and gold mugs with rainbow diamondThese are absolutely gorgeous -- cobalt blue with our OSC rainbow diamond on the front and back, complemented by microwave-safe gold lettering and stripes.  Sold individually or as a set.

 

Price:  $35 set of four or $10 each plus an additional fee for shipping if required.

 

To Purchase:  please contact Luz Palomarez in the Dean's office by e-mail at luz@optics.arizona.edu or by telephone at 520-621-6997 ext. 1.

 

Subscribe to Watt's Up

 

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

Information Specialist Coordinator

College of Optical Sciences, University of Arizona

cathy.alexander@optics.arizona