The University of Arizona

College of Optical Sciences

 

Watt's Up

The University of Arizona College of Optical Sciences

Newsletter for Feb. 2, 2012

 

Announcements | Calendar | Awards | Watt's Happening | Employment | Subscribe

 

Announcements

SOCk and Suns and Basketball

The Student Optics Chapter has organized a trip to see the Phoenix Suns play against the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday, March 2, at 8:30 p.m.

If you — that includes students, staff, faculty and their guests — are interested in attending, please bring $20 (cash or check written out to Student Optics Chapter) to Anabel Garcia in Meinel 403. Carpools from campus will be arranged.

If you have questions, please contact Jonathan Brand.


Volunteer for Book Festival

The Tucson Festival of Books has more than 50,000 attendees — and it's coming this year on March 10–11. OSC and the Center for Integrated Access Networks are helping to staff the "Science City" booth, and they need your help! Three-hour shifts are available on both Saturday and Sunday.

If you're interested in volunteering, please contact Trin Riojas. The first planning meeting will take place Monday at 1 p.m. in Meinel 547.

Calendar

 

Thursday, Feb. 2

 

Colloquium.  3:30 p.m., Meinel 307. Professor of optical sciences Milorad Cvijetic presented "Towards Terabit Ethernet-Based Optical Networking."

 


 

Monday, Feb. 6

 

Machine Shop Meeting. 7:30 a.m., Meinel 432. Attendance and course participation is required for use of Meinel 113, the student machine shop.

 

Contact J. Kevin Erwin with any questions.

 


 

Tuesday, Feb. 7

 

Special Presentation.  10 a.m., Franken Conference Room (Meinel 821). Assistant research professor and optical networks faculty candidate Khanh Kieu will present "Generation of Ultrafast Optical Pulses and Applications."

Awards

Faculty Recognition

Adjunct professor Wei Shi of NP Photonics Inc. is a newly named Fellow Member of the Optical Society (OSA).

One of the first papers chosen for OSA's brand-new Spotlight on Optics, was "Formulation of Rigorous Coupled-Wave Theory," authored by visiting research professor (and recent OSC alumnus!) Michihisa Onishi.


Grants and Contracts

Optical Design Methodologies (Phase 2). Sponsor: Canon Inc. Principal investigator: José M. Sasián. Start date: Jan. 20, 2012. End date: June 30, 2013. $380,663.

Two-Micron Carbon-Nanotubes-Based Saturable Absorbers and/or Ultrafast Fiber Lasers. Sponsor: NP Photonics Inc. Principal investigator: Robert A. Norwood. Start date: Feb. 1, 2012. End date: July 31, 2012. $40,361.

Watt's Happening

 

In Memoriam: Don Hillman
 

Don W. Hillman, a longtime OSC employee, died Dec. 5, 2011. According to Betty, his wife, "Don really enjoyed his years at [OSC]. He met some wonderful people."

 

His obituary (and its associated guestbook) is available online.

 

 

 

 



Sweet and Social
 

The College held its spring ice cream social yesterday, with students and faculty alike appearing in the third floor lobby for root beer floats and make-your-own sundaes.

 

Photos from the event are now available.

 


 

This Week's Birthdays
 

Roger Angel (rangel@as.arizona.edu)
Akash Arora (aarora3@gmail.com)
Michael Descour (michael@optics.arizona.edu)
Khanh Dinh (kdinh@email.arizona.edu)
Andrew Dotson (adotson@optics.arizona.edu)
Kyle Heideman (kheideman@optics.arizona.edu)
Galina Khitrova (galina@optics.arizona.edu)
Rakesh Kumar (rkumar@optics.arizona.edu)
Ivan McCrea (mccrea@email.arizona.edu)
Alexander Miles (amiles@optics.arizona.edu)

William Molina (molina@email.arizona.edu)

Timothy Renkoski (trenkoski@optics.arizona.edu)

Jeffrey Scogin (jbs3@email.arizona.edu)

Philip Slater (pnslater@me.com)

John Sullivan (jsullivan@optics.arizona.edu)

 

Employment

 

Job postings in the OSC newsletter are published as provided. Please use the contact information provided in each position description to apply.

 

L3 Insight Technology

Is an OSC Industrial Affiliate at the Leadership Partners Level


Internship: Optical Engineering. L3 Insight Technology.
Department Optical Engineering Internship Start Date May 2012 Manager Sheldon Schwartz Internship End Date August 2012 # of Hours per Week 40 Job Description: Our three month internship program is constructed to provide the student with a variety of experiences ranging from lens design and production support, to component manufacturing under the mentorship of experienced optical design engineers and fabrication craftsmen. The student will assist staff members from Optical Engineering, Solid-State Laser Development, or both. The specific assignments will depend on active program needs and the students’ area(s) of interest. Insight’s 20 year history, coupled with our current VIS/NIR/SWIR/LWIR imaging, laser targeting, and range finding programs, provides a variety of applied job experience opportunities. Additionally, two weeks will be spent learning processing methods and working within the Insight optical fabrication shop. Our state-of-the-art facility contains QED, Satisloh, Schneider, and Precitech Precision grinding, polishing, and diamond turning equipment. Exposure to our personnel, methods, and equipment will provide valuable perspectives regardless of post-degree job interests. Qualifications: Must be a current student pursuing an optical engineering degree entering their Senior year. Apply directly at www.L-3jobs.com EOE/AA/M/F/Vets/Disab.

 



Camera Detector Engineer. L-3 Integrated Optical Systems.
L-3 Integrated Optical Systems (IOS) is a leader in the design, manufacture, and test of space, airborne and ground-based optical subsystems and sensor systems for NASA, DoD, and commercial markets. IOS produces space/airborne telescopes, sensor systems, meter-class terrestrial telescopes, weapon sights, hyperspectral imagers, line of sight control systems, optical systems and state-of-the-art aspheric optical components for applications including: remote sensing, missile defense, tactical and national reconnaissance, weapon fire control and space situational awareness. Major programs include James Webb Space Telescope, Space Surveillance Telescope, SBIRS High, GOES-R ABI, XM-25 and Joint Strike Fighter. L-3 SSG, headquarters for IOS, is located in Wilmington, Massachusetts, 10 miles north of Boston, providing easy access to the city, and the north shore. IOS has approximately 450 engineers, technicians, and support staff focused on the development and manufacture of advanced EO and photon control solutions. The division offers technologically-differentiated EO and photon-control solutions with a migration towards moderate-level production. IOS offers a flexible work environment, challenging and varied aerospace projects, competitive compensation and a collegial atmosphere. Camera- Detector Engineer L-3 Integrated Optical Systems has an opportunity for a Camera-Detector Engineer to join our talented engineering organization. The Camera Engineer must possess a fundamental understanding of Visible and IR camera systems and detector electronics for aerospace applications. The candidate must be self-motivated. The Camera Engineer will support the design and development of custom Visible (CCD and CMOS) and IR (InSb, HgCdTe, and microbolometer) detector solutions for aerospace and commercial spaceflight and tactical applications. The candidate should have a familiarity with a range of assignments from concept, specification development, design & analysis, and procurement as well as test & integration of complex electro-optical sensor systems. The candidate is expected to work with camera/focal plane vendors to define and develop system level requirements. Excellent communication skills and success working in a multi-disciplined team environment is a must. Requirements: - BS in Electrical Engineering, Optics, Electro-Optics, Applied Physics, or equivalent engineering discipline, MS preferred. - 7 plus years of equivalent experience in detector development. Aerospace flight hardware experience is preferred. - Experience with design, characterization, packaging, and testing of detectors and detector electronics. - Excellent oral, written and presentation skills for interfacing with senior management, program management, customers, suppliers, and other engineers. - Candidates must be able to obtain a security clearance. Active security clearance is desired. L-3 Integrated Optical Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/D. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen. U.S. Citizenship status required. To apply, search http://www.l-3com.com/careers/job-search.html.

 



Engineering Manager. U.S. Seismic Systems Inc.
US Seismic Systems, Inc., a leader in fiber optic sensing solutions in the Security and Energy markets is currently seeking an Engineering Manager to join the Chatsworth team of professionals. The Engineering Manager is responsible for the planning of engineering development activities on contracts and internal research and development (IRAD) projects, and ensuring they are completed in a timely and cost-effective manner. Engineering Manager - General Duties and Responsibilities: • Identifies and manages personnel, equipment and contracted resources needed for each project. • Ensures the final design meets the system requirements and design for manufacturing. • Creates, maintains and regularly communicates engineering schedules and budgets. • Serves as technical and/or programmatic liaison with customers. • Supports business development efforts with technical, cost and schedule inputs as required. • Domestic and/or foreign travel may be required to support meetings with customers or suppliers, or to support field testing of USSI's sensors and systems. The Engineering Manager will support and may be required to coordinate sustaining engineering efforts for new products, identify and evaluate new suppliers. The Engineering Manager may also be required support production transition activities, including process improvement, cost reduction, documentation and component engineering. Reporting directly to the VP of Engineering, the Engineering Manager will supervise engineers, scientists and technicians. Such personnel will include a combination of captive employees, temporary employees and consultants. The Engineering Manager will provide leadership and technical supervision to his/her employees; will be responsible for facilitating employees' technical growth and performance improvements accordingly. QUALIFICATIONS: • Candidates must have at least ten years of technical experience in the field of fiber optic sensing or fiber optic communications. • Candidates must have earned a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Physics. • Completion of post-graduate work or a Master's of Science degree is preferable. • Candidate must have demonstrated at least five years managing complex technical projects, including technical and personnel management, and maintaining project budgets and schedules. • Management experience in both commercial and government markets is highly desirable. • Excellent communication skills, both written and oral required. • Proficiency in in all MS Office software and MS Project required. • Proficiency in SolidWorks or AutoCad is desired. For consideration, kindly email your resume to Human Resources at www.recruiting@us-si.com. To learn more about USSI, visit us at www.us-si.com

 



Internship: Imaging or Optical Engineering. Corning.
Job Title: INTERN- Imaging/Optical Engineer Job ID: 169443 Location: USA,NY-Corning Corning is the world leader in specialty glass and ceramics. We create and make keystone components that enable high-technology systems for consumer electronics, mobile emissions control, telecommunications and life sciences. Corning succeeds through sustained investment in R&D, over 150 years of materials science and process engineering knowledge, and a distinctive collaborative culture. Our products include glass substrates for LCD flat panel televisions, computer monitors and laptops; ceramic substrates and filters for mobile emission control systems; optical fiber, cable, hardware & equipment for telephone and internet communication networks; optical biosensors for drug discovery; and other advanced optics and specialty glass solutions for a number of industries including semiconductor, aerospace, defense, astronomy and metrology. Corning's Manufacturing, Technology and Engineering division (MTE) is recognized as the leader in engineering excellence & innovative manufacturing technologies by providing diverse skills to Corning’s existing & emerging businesses. We anticipate & provide timely, valued, leading edge manufacturing technologies and engineering expertise. We partner with Corning’s businesses and the Science & Technology division. Together we create and sustain Corning’s manufacturing as a differential advantage. Scope of Position: Build capability of the Machine Vision lab for a corporate engineering group that supports product manufacturing. May be asked to support active projects in the field of machine vision. Will work under the direction of a senior level engineer. Day to Day Responsibilities: Set up lighting, cameras and associated equipment to demonstrate new vision capability for the lab. Primary work will be hands on with equipment and software based data collection. Travel Requirements: • None. Hours of work/work schedule/flextime: • Monday-Friday 8-5pm Job Title: SUMMER INTERN- Imaging/Optical Engineer Job Reference Number: 169443 Required Education: • Physics or Electrical Engineering – Emphasis in Machine Vision or Optics Required Years and Area of Experience: • Junior level of BS or higher (working on MS or PhD is OK) Required Skills: • Experience or class work with machine vision. • Experience with data collection • Computer skills such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint Presentation, etc. Desired Skills: • Problem solving abilities • Ability to organize work • Self motivated Soft Skills: • Ability to prepare and give presentations (required at end of internship) • Good interpersonal skills To apply, please contact Pat Harper at harperpa@corning.com or 610-971-8913.

 


 

Internship: Vision Systems Engineering. Corning. Job Title: INTERN- Vision Systems Engineering Job ID: 169034 Location: Regular/Temporary: Temporary  Corning is the world leader in specialty glass and ceramics. We create and make keystone components that enable high-technology systems for consumer electronics, mobile emissions control, telecommunications and life sciences. Corning succeeds through sustained investment in R&D, over 150 years of materials science and process engineering knowledge, and a distinctive collaborative culture. Our products include glass substrates for LCD flat panel televisions, computer monitors and laptops; ceramic substrates and filters for mobile emission control systems; optical fiber, cable, hardware & equipment for telephone and internet communication networks; optical biosensors for drug discovery; and other advanced optics and specialty glass solutions for a number of industries including semiconductor, aerospace, defense, astronomy and metrology. Corning's Manufacturing, Technology and Engineering division (MTE) is recognized as the leader in engineering excellence & innovative manufacturing technologies by providing diverse skills to Corning’s existing & emerging businesses. We anticipate & provide timely, valued, leading edge manufacturing technologies and engineering expertise. We partner with Corning’s businesses and the Science & Technology division. Together we create and sustain Corning’s manufacturing as a differential advantage. Role: • The candidate would be become a member of the Advanced Engineering Systems Integration team, participating in diverse electronics/software projects across the Corning R&D facility in Corning NY. The student would gain work experience in a world class R&D facility, with the potential to contribute on projects from early stage research through to production. Job Title: INTERN- Vision Systems Engineering Reference Number: 169034 Required Education: • Undergrad or Graduate Student in an Electrical Engineering having completed at least his/her 3rd year toward a BS Degree Required Years and Area of Experience: • The candidate should have an interest in pursuing a career in Systems Engineering with an area of interest in Measurements. The candidate should have an exposure to and interest in Vision Systems design and development as well as strong software skills. She/he should be planning on pursuing (or already working toward) an advanced degree (MS/PhD). Desired Skills: • Vision – Cameras, Optics, Lighting, as well as Imaging specific Software/Algorithms. • Programming – Visual Studio.NET: C/C++, .NET, ASP.NET • Computer/Electronics – PC Hardware, OS, Programming. • Systems – Should be comfortable working in a lab environment, assembling system components and testing/debugging hardware & software. To apply, please contact Pat Harper at harperpa@corning.com or 610-971-8913.

 



Manufacturing Test Engineer. U.S. Seismic Systems Inc.
MANUFACTURING TEST ENGINEER US Seismic Systems, Inc. (USSI) Chatsworth, CA 91311 US Seismic Systems, Inc., a leader in fiber optic sensing solutions in the Security and Energy markets, is currently seeking an experienced Manufacturing Test Engineer to join our Chatsworth team of professionals. The Manufacturing Test Engineer (MTE) is responsible for the production measurement and testing of fiber optic sensing systems with optical fiber, opto-electronics and mechanical sub-assemblies and components. The MTE will develop and lead the manufacturing/testing process from prototype to production working with engineering and manufacturing teams as well as suppliers and vendors. They will assess quality and performance issues and develop resolutions to meet product specifications. Responsibilities include, but not limited to: • Definition of test and verification requirements, plans, procedures and sequences including specification of test tools and test criteria • Execution of test cases and reporting of results • Integrating parts and installing software on test platforms • Responsible for the specification, execution and reporting of final system integration test assistance in the resolution of identified functionality and performance issues • Scheduling and budgeting of test related programs • Responsible for continual maturing of test infrastructure • As required, participate in field tests and provide troubleshooting support on site • Design and manage creation of "Golden Test Fixtures" for optics, electronics, components, etc. • Development of incoming test procedures for components, assembly MTP and burn-in Job Requirements: • Expertise in electrical, electronics, mechanical, fiber optic and optical testing and measurement • Understanding of insertion loss, polarization dependent loss, chromatic dispersion, polarization dependent dispersion, etc. • Have experience using lasers, optical power meters, PDL meter, OSA, oscilloscope, reflectometer, spectrometer, CD/PMD tester, etc. • Hands on experience of handling fiber splicing and routing • Experience in system level HALT, environmental and regulatory compliance requirements • Proficiency in control and measurement of software such as Labview, Visual Basic or C++ • Proficiency in troubleshooting optical assemblies Education/Skills/Experience: -BS/MS in optics or physics or equivalent, 5 years plus experience -Design, manufacturing and test of fiber optic sensors and/or systems is highly desirable -Must have excellent analytical, troubleshooting and debugging skills -Strong knowledge of DfX, Six Sigma, 5S, Risk analysis (FMEA, Cause and Effect, etc.), Lean Manufacturing Principles For consideration, kindly email your resume to recruiting@us-si.com. No phone calls please. Visit USSI at www.us-si.com

 



Optical Engineer (Associate). L-3 Integrated Optical Systems.
L-3 Integrated Optical Systems (IOS) is a leader in the design, manufacture, and test of space, airborne and ground-based optical subsystems and sensor systems for NASA, DoD, and commercial markets. IOS produces space/airborne telescopes, sensor systems, meter-class terrestrial telescopes, weapon sights, hyperspectral imagers, line of sight control systems, optical systems and state-of-the-art aspheric optical components for applications including: remote sensing, missile defense, tactical and national reconnaissance, weapon fire control and space situational awareness. Major programs include James Webb Space Telescope, Space Surveillance Telescope, SBIRS High, GOES-R ABI, XM-25 and Joint Strike Fighter. L-3 SSG, headquarters for IOS, is located in Wilmington, Massachusetts, 10 miles north of Boston, providing easy access to the city, and the north shore. IOS has approximately 450 engineers, technicians, and support staff focused on the development and manufacture of advanced EO and photon control solutions. The division offers technologically-differentiated EO and photon-control solutions with a migration towards moderate-level production. IOS offers a flexible work environment, challenging and varied aerospace projects, competitive compensation and a collegial atmosphere. Associate Optical Engineer Entry-level position in our Optical Engineering Department working on the design, fabrication, assembly and alignment of precision optical components and assemblies. Duties will include optical component and system testing and involvement in the assembly, alignment and test of optical systems. The position is ‘hands-on’ and requires good laboratory skills. Duties also include preparation of plans, procedures, presentation materials and other technical documentation. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are necessary. Requirements: BS or MS in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related discipline (GPA 3.0 or higher preferred). Experience with interferometers, test and alignment equipment and metrology methods is a plus. L-3 Integrated Optical Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/D. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen. U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident status is required. To apply, search http://www.l-3com.com/careers/job-search.html.

 



Staff Scientist, Data Products. National Ecological Observatory Network Inc.
Position Description - Staff Scientist, Data Products Remote Sensing Overview: The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON), Inc., is a $430 million dollar NSF-funded project dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, land use and invasive species impact ecology and ecological processes. For the next three decades, NEON will collect a comprehensive range of ecological data on a continental scale across 20 representative ecoclimatic domains. NEON will use multiple methods for data collection, including an airborne observation platform that will capture spectral and LiDAR data of regional landscapes and vegetation; mobile, relocatable, and fixed data collection sites with automated ground sensors to monitor soil and atmosphere; and trained field crews who will observe and sample populations of diverse organisms and collect soil and aquatic data. Linking these observations is a stable and extensible cyberinfrastructure that will calibrate, store and publish this raw data, as well as support the production of derived science products that address NEON’s grand challenges. The Observatory will eventually employ up to 300 personnel nationwide and will be the first of its kind designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change at continental scales. Position Summary: As a member of the Data Products Group (DPG), the Staff Scientist will be responsible for contributing to the development and generation of all data products that will be released by NEON to the community. This collaborative effort requires a broadly-trained scientist well-versed in and eager to learn the breadth of NEON scientific efforts, since the DPG works with the NEON’s science, cyberinfrastructure, and education teams, as well as the external community, to define and create the data products and manage their lifecycle. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: · Assist with the processing and analysis of remote sensing data, obtained from satellite and/or airborne campaigns, possibly utilizing LiDAR and/or hyperspectral instrumentation, to problems in ecological science. · Contribute to developing the science rationale for data products, developing and prototyping algorithms for their generation, and engaging all stakeholders in vetting the produced materials. The candidate will help to define NEON’s strategy to scale ecological data across multiple temporal and spatial scales in support of continental-scale ecological science · Engage the user community through meetings, workshops, and working groups, to ensure the utility and veracity of NEON data products. Education: · PhD, ScD, or equivalent degree in atmospheric science, biogeochemistry, ecology, physics, or related fields. · Postdoctoral experience is preferred, but not required. Required Experience: · Application of remote sensing theory to biological and/or physical systems · Expertise with common software packages (e.g., IDL/ENVI) · Experience building novel algorithms in support of LiDAR and/or hyperspectral data processing. · Experience integrating remote sensing data with a variety of ground-based data, including measurements of biophysical variables and observations of flora and fauna. . Preferred Experience: · Familiarity with a variety of remote sensing platforms, e.g. MODIS, HySPIRI, LandSAT · Familiarity with data processing workflows in a production environment · Programming experience (C/C++, Java, Python, etc.) · Teaching experience Skills and Abilities: · Skilled at scientific writing and review · Strong communication and interpersonal skills · Experience working in a collaborative scientific enterprise · Open to undertaking responsibilities beyond those associated with individual research projects · Ability to work independently and as part of an active science team · Problem solver who can successfully apply experience, judgment, and creativity to both short- and long-term challenges, independently and within a larger team Apply to: www.neoninc.org NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply.

 

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The University of Arizona College of Optical Sciences

Kristin Waller | kwaller@optics.arizona.edu | Information Specialist Coordinator