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Watt's Up
College of Optical Sciences News for October 1, 2009
Watt's Happening | Employment | Subscribe | OSC Store Complete an MS or Professional Certificate Entirely On-Line
Today's Colloquium October 1. 3:30 p.m. Meinel 307
Marko Loncar, Harvard University School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, will present Optical Nanostructures for Advanced Communication Systems. Masud Mansuripur is the host.
Abstract: Wavelength-scale optical resonators can enable on-chip manipulation of photons, and will be important building blocks for optical- and quantum-communication systems. We recently demonstrated photonic crystal nanobeam cavity1,2 , fabricated in silicon, that supports modes with quality factor Q~106. Furthermore, by taking advantage of mechanical degrees of freedom of two coupled-nanobeam cavities3, we demonstrated reconfigurable optical filters4 that could be dynamically and reversibly tuned. In our structure, that combines NEMS with nanophotonics, an external bias voltage controls the separation (<100nm) between the nanobeams via the electrostatic force, which in turn has a strong effect on the resonant wavelength of the structure. We demonstrate tunable filters with a tuning range of ~10nm, using less than 6V of external bias and negligible steady-state power consumption4. Bright single-photon source based on diamond nanowire5, that we recently discovered, is another example of novel functionalities enabled by nanostructuring. Nitrogen vacancy (NV) color center in diamond has emerged as promising quantum emitter that combines the key advantages of isolated atomic systems with solid-state integration. In order to further improve the efficiency of NV-based quantum-emitters, it is important to enhance the collection efficiency of emitted photons. We achieved this using nanowire-antenna approach, and demonstrated an order of magnitude larger collection efficiency over devices based on bulk diamond crystals.
1P. B. Deotare, M. W. McCutcheon, I. W. Frank, M. Khan, and M. Lončar, APL, 94, 121106 (2009) 2M. W. McCutcheon and M. Lončar, Optics Express, 16, 19136 (2008) 3 P. B. Deotare, M. W. McCutcheon, I. W. Frank, M. Khan, and M. Lončar, APL, 95, 031102 (2009) 4 I.W. Frank, P.B. Deotare, M.W. McCutcheon, Marko Lončar, submitted and posted on arXiv:0909.2278 5 T.M. Babinec, B.M. Hausmann, M. Khan, Y. Zhang, J. Maze, P.R. Hemmer, M. Lončar, arXiv: 0908.0233
Colloquium videos are available at http://www.optics.arizona.edu/Colloquium/default.htm
Friday's OSC Community Speakers Noon. Meinel 410
This week features presentations by Stefano Young and Roger Zaldivar. As always, the presentations are less technical than those at Colloquium and are meant to be enjoyed by everyone at OSC, including undergrads, grads, and staff.
Stefano will present Image Quality in Medical Imaging: Sending Your Message with Numbers. Abstract: In medical and other types of imaging, statements about image quality often lack a rigorous proof or quantitative explanation of their validity. Some researchers believe that a pair of images, coupled with qualitative statements like "As shown in the figure, our system offers better image quality", is a sufficient demonstration of improvement. However, to systematically improve the imaging capabilities of the science community, researchers need methods for quantifying image quality in complex imaging systems involving many variables. The medical image quality community has developed methods for quantitative or "task-based" image quality assessment; and image scientists in our lab have demonstrated application of these methods to complex medical imaging problems. For example, I collaborated with the Food & Drug Administration’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) to develop methods for quantifying image quality in digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) systems. This presentation addresses problems with the current image quality paradigm, explains fundamental concepts in task-based image quality assessment, and provides an example application of these concepts to the complex problem of DBT. In general, when reading or writing imaging papers on topics such as DBT, researchers should insist on a quantitative, task-based approach to making statements about image quality. This will provide the imaging community with consistent tools for measuring the performance of imaging systems. Applying task-based assessment principles to DBT, we quantified the image quality for an idealized system while accounting for different sources of variability in the imaging process. Specifically, we estimated image quality metrics for clinically significant hardware acquisition parameters such as angular span, number of angular projections, and study dose while incorporating an ensemble of randomly-generated digital patient models. Using the example of DBT, the audience can imagine applying these task-based assessment tools to other research problems which they encounter. The fundamental principles for quantifying medical image quality are established, but the imaging community needs to invest more effort in applying these principles to novel three-dimensional imaging systems. In future work with the CDRH, our idealized model of DBT should be expanded to include realistic models for other sources of variability such as x-ray scatter and detector blur. Results from future studies could be used to inform the design of imaging hardware and software reconstruction algorithms. Our image science group at the UA also plans to use a task-based assessment framework to quantify the image quality of diffuse optical imaging systems.
Roger will present 20 / 20 is Not Enough!. Abstract: Direct measurement of ocular light scatter can confirm the role of early cataract in the genesis of visual symptoms. Is it possible that patients come to my office and complain that they don’t feel comfortable with their vision despite having a 20/20 visual acuity test? We will prove that the answer is ‘Yes’… and the main reason is that in the early stages of cataract formation visual disturbances may appear while viasual acuity in standard conditions is still preserved. So the question is… how can we document the need for a surgery with these conditions? How do we as surgeons prove that the patient is really uncomfortable with his vision and needs a surgical procedure? These patients typically complain that headlights, lamps, or sunlight may appear too bright, with halos appearing around objects. Poor night vision, glare, double vision, or multiple images in one eye are possible signs of early cataract, which can be compatible with 20/20 BCVA or UCVA. In these situations, visual disturbances are caused by crystalline lens opacities, which randomly refract and diffract the incident light focused toward the retina.2 This effect, called intraocular scattering, reduces the patient’s quality of vision. Most of the instruments and devices that we have measure aberrations in a very acceptable way but they don’t measure scatter. Recently, a double-pass aberrometry developed by Optics Engineer Pablo Artal and his coworkers was introduced in Spain. This technique does not depend on the accuracy of the wavefront reconstruction; it integrates higher-order aberrations and light scatter into a prediction of retinal image quality. I m going to share some examples from the Zaldivar Institute located in Mendoza Argentina, where this machine is being tested and you will realize how useful this device can be.
Next Week's Colloquium October 8. 3:30 p.m. Meinel 307
Robert Norwood, University of Arizona College of Optical Sciences, will present Optical Polymer Nanocomposites: Designer Materials for Nanophotonics. Mahmoud Fallahi is the host.
Abstract: Major breakthroughs in photonics have often occurred when superb materials science is coupled with elegant and efficient device design/fabrication. Silica-based optical fiber, the semiconductor laser, the erbium doped fiber amplifier and the silica-on-silicon arrayed waveguide grating router are several notable examples of this phenomena. State-of-the-art photonics now requires the development of ever-higher degrees of integration, placing stringent demands on photonic materials technology, which ultimately must be suitable for the new field of nanophotonics. In parallel with these developments, the field of optical polymer nanocomposites (PNC) has emerged thanks to considerable advances in optical polymer materials, nanoparticle synthesis, nanoparticle functionalization and dispersion techniques. Optical PNCs have the potential to fulfill a broad range of photonic functions ranging from compact, narrowband filters, to electro-optical modulation at hundreds of GHz. To accomplish this, a clear understanding of optical polymer and nanoparticle properties is required, as well as an ability to effectively model and predict the properties of the PNC, and finally align these properties with the photonics engineering problem at hand. We will discuss our recent work on optical PNCs, including PNC infiltrated silicon photonic crystals, polymer/InP nanowire composites, and magneto-optic PNCs.
New Sponsored Awards
Augmented Reality Head Mounted Display. P.I. Hong Hua. Sponsor: SA Photonics. August 19, 2009 to January 25, 2010. $21,000.
Diffuser BRDF Measurement. P.I. Stuart Biggar. Sponsor: ITT Space Systems. June 1, 2009 to November 30, 2009. $66,782.
Integrated Waveguide Optical Isolators. P.I. Palash Gangopadhyay and Ramakrishna Voorakaranam. Sponsor: TIPD LLC (Sub-Army). July 27, 2009 to October 31, 2011. $25,000.
Quantitative Assessment of the Benefits and Risks of Clinical PET/CT and SPECT/CT Imaging. P.I. Matthew Kupinski and Eric Clarkson. Sponsor: NIH. September 30, 2009 to August 31, 2011. $544,545.
Scalable Array Packaging for Optoelectronic Components. P.I. Nasser Peyghambarian. Sponsor: NSF. September 1, 2009 to August 31, 2011. $500,000.
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. You will need to take this course, or you must have prior training and experience in order to use the Optical Sciences student machine shop.
Women of Biosciences Toastmasters Club
By University Communications. Forwarded by Trin Riojas. Become the speaker and leader you want to be. The Women of Biosciences Toastmasters Club meets weekly and provides a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every member has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self confidence and personal growth. This club specializes in helping scientists better communicate with both fellow scientists and non-scientists. Meeting are Mondays, 11:00 a.m. to noon in the Thomas W. Keating Bioresearch Building, BIO5 Conference Room 103. For more information, please visit: http://uanews.org/node/26570
NCU Student Exchange Scholarship is Accepting Applications
The Department of Optics and Photonics, National Central University, Taiwan accepts scholarship applications for incoming exchange students of Spring 2010 (February through June) and Summer 2010 (July and August.). The opportunities are offered to undergraduate and graduate students from the College of Optical Sciences, at The University of Arizona. The awards range from a total of $3,000 to $5,000 per person for Spring and $2,000 to $2,500 per person for Summer. Interested individuals must submit an application to the Office of Study Abroad and Student Exchange at UA by October 15, 2009. Award notifications are sent about one month after the application deadline and scholarships are awarded as a monthly stipend during students’ stay in Taiwan.
Requirements: Must be a degree-seeking UA College of Optical Sciences student in good academic and disciplinary standing. Student Exchange application to the Department of Optics and Photonics, National Central University must also be submitted to the SASE office.
Please submit the following application materials: Applicant Profile Form. Autobiography (It should be typed, single-spaced and should not exceed 1 page.) Unofficial UA Transcript (Available for $1 in Admin. Building 210) Sealed, Letter of Recommendation . Curriculum Vitae or Other Supporting Materials (optional). Speak to your study abroad advisor for guidance and/or feedback related to this application.
NCU Student Exchange Scholarship Application Deadline: Spring 2010 and Summer 2010: October 15, 2009.
Program Contact Information: Eric Deschamps, Exchange Coordinator, Sr. Office of Study Abroad and Student Exchange (http://studyabroad.arizona.edu/) Phone (520) 626-7171, Fax (520) 626-9004 Email: deschamp@email.arizona.edu
National Central University: www.ncu.edu.tw Department of Optics and Photonics: www.dop.ncu.edu.tw Office of International Affairs, Incoming Exchange Programs: http://www.ncu.edu.tw/~ncu7020/english/International/student_exchange.php
Happy Birthday and Best Wishes for a Wonderful Year
October 5 Ryan Irvin (ryan.irvin@gmail.com)
October 6 Ismail Araci (earaci@optics.arizona.edu)
October 7 Takahiro Masumura
October 8 Cheng Yeh (iamckyeh@gmail.com)
October 9 Ryeojin Park (rpark@optics.arizona.edu)
October 10 Alex
Cronin (cronin@physics.arizona.edu)
OSC Calendar
October 1 OSC Colloquium
October 2 OSC Community Speakers. Noon. Meinel 410
October 2 OSC Sports Friday. Watch your e-mail for details.
October 3 OSC's Fourth Annual Large Binocular Telescope Camping Trip
October 11 - 15 OSA's Frontiers in Optics 2009/Laser Science XXV in San Jose, California
On Campus
October 1 Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Seminar. 4:00 p.m. AME Lecture Hall, Room S212. Falin Chen, National Taiwan University Energy Research Center, will present The Kuroshio Power Plant Project.
October 2 Physics Colloquium. PAS 224. At 2:15 p.m. grad student Walter Freeman will present The Strange Quark Content of the Nucleon, and How to Calculate it. At 3:00 p.m. Charles Falco will present Metallic Ultra-Thin Films and Nanostructures.
October 5 Biomedical Engineering Seminar. 2:00 p.m. Keating 103. Jay Hoying, Professor and Chair, Division of Cardiovascular Therapeutics, Cardiovascular Innovation Institute, will present Manipulating the Microcirculation.
Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer. Digital Signal Corporation. Become an elite member of a fast growing, highly motivated team and contribute to truly cutting edge technology. At Digital Signal Corporation (DSC), we develop breakthrough technology for precision 3D imaging, well-beyond the capabilities of other existing systems. The Company is composed of scientists, engineers, software experts, and business leaders who invent, design, and supply solutions to industry and government. We are seeking highly motivated and dedicated individuals who are interested in solving challenging problems and work well in a fast paced environment. Job Description: DSC is seeking a Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer to join our Engineering Team and design electro-optic surveillance systems. Qualified candidates must be able to work well in a small company atmosphere and have excellent communication skills. Responsibilities: Design opto-mechanical and electro-optic assemblies. Opto-mechanical requirements analysis. Assist in performance specifications relating to mechanical design. Develop technology and product concepts. Develop new mechanical designs and prototype products. Develop affordable and producible products that meet performance and cost requirements. Assist in the manufacturing process with drawing and document control. Requirements: Strong experience in electronic chassis design. Strong experience in fabrication and manufacturing techniques of opto-mechanical assemblies. Experience with mounting digital imaging systems and components. Familiar with optical mounting techniques for rugged and commercial environments. Strong experience in thermal and structural analysis of opto-mechanical assembly and electronic chassis designs. Skills & Qualifications: Masters degree & 4 years experience in opto-mechanical design or Bachelors Degree & 6 years experience in opto-mechanical design. SolidWorks design and simulation experience desired. Ability to acquire a DoD security clearance. Other desirable skills: hands on machining experience, strong background in optics, and/or experience with Military mechanical design practices. Travel: No travel is expected. Contact: Anatoley Zheleznyak at 301-335-3349 or anatoley314@hotmail.com
Agency Listing. Defense Division Manager. Sales. Massachusetts. Lighting and Imaging industry. Minimum 8 years experience in sales / product management of technical product. Experience in sales of components to OEM's helpful. Must have 8-10 year minimum Defense Industry Experience. Sales Managers and Sales Administrators specific to the defense business. Product line annual sales range approximately $50 million. Develops and implements the key elements of the defense strategy in close cooperation with the defense office in Washington. Product (Differentiation IP and Roadmap), Placement (Prioritization of customers) and Promotion (Branding). Responsible for compliance with legal requirements especially in the area of export control (ITAR; refer to Export Compliance Manual & Technology Control Plan). Approx 75-80% travel, including both national and international travel. Contact: Ms. DJ Monnat, dmonnat@mcaleerassociates.com 845-565-8860. McAleer & Associates, 5031 Route 9W, Suite 3, Newburgh, NY 12550-1959. Phone: (845) 565-8860. Fax: (845) 565-0084. Email: dmonnat@mcaleerassociates.com Web: www.mcaleerassociates.com Linked in: http://www.linkedin.com/in/djmonnat
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 |
