Known as the "Cat's Tail," a vast cloud of dust wafting across a young star system could be the aftermath of a collision between two or more Pluto-sized bodies annihilated to microscopically small dust grains.

A second-year doctoral student in biomedical engineering, Ryan Mitstifer is helping test the lab's falloposcope, an endoscope thin enough to travel inside the fallopian tube.

The School of Mining Engineering and Mineral Resources has received $1 million from the U.S. Department of Energy to boost education aimed at filling the skills and workforce gaps in the mining industry.

CrysNova Lab LLC is an early-stage optical technology company establishing a Tucson operation near UA Tech Park. We are seeking a reliable local student or early-career professional to provide practical, on-site support as the office comes online.

Work is intermittent and needs-based, typically totaling approximately 4–20 hours per month. No minimum number of hours is guaranteed. On-site assignments will normally be scheduled at least 48 hours in advance, subject to availability. Each on-site visit will generally have a two-hour minimum.

Lightsense Technology manufactures handheld optical spectrometers to detect narcotics and are used by first responders / law enforcement / security personnel to detect the presence of Fentanyl or Methamphetamine in fake pills and unknown powders.

Lightsense Technology is developing a next generation product that will expand the current technology to include detecting all illicit drugs as well as certain applications in biospectroscopy. The R&D team has an immediate opening for a part-time (potentially full-time) Optical Engineering / Spectroscopy Intern (full-time summer 2027 and beyond) for optical design, fabrication & testing, and to develop and manage a spectroscopy data repository.

U of A researchers have developed a roughly 40-minute assessment called CANID, where the researchers use three simple tasks to measure memory and behavioral flexibility in dogs.

Thanks to the participation of our Industrial Affiliates Partners, the Fall 2026 Industrial Affiliates Meeting provided students with direct access to the professionals and organizations shaping the future of optics and photonics. From networking and lab tours to research discussions and presentations, the event created meaningful connections that support student success and strengthen our community.

Optical Sciences Ph.D. student Yanzhao (Alex) Lu was recognized in the 2026 Robert S. Hilbert Memorial Optical Design Competition for his project, Design of a Compact and High-Efficiency LCoS Light Engine for Head-mounted Displays.