Speakers
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Speakers’ bios and abstracts below appear in order of their presentation according to the agenda.
Underneath student names is a link to a very short survey to review their presentation. We strongly encourage Industrial Affiliates members to complete these short surveys to give feedback to the students. Please also find under each person’s name a link to a printable pdf of each person’s profile.
Workshop Presenters
Five-Minute Rapid Fire Presenters
Lab Tours
Poster Presenters
Keynote Speaker
Markus Matthes
Corporate VP, Development & Engineering, ASML
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 | 9:17 AM – 9:57 AM
Title: âEUV Lithography: History, Fundamentals, Light Source State of the Art, and Beyond”
Abstract: EUV Lithography: History, Fundamentals, Light Source State of the Art, and Beyond.
- Role of semiconductors in modern society.
- What is a chip? Transistor history.
- EUV Source deep dive: Fielded systems performance and introduction of High NA EUV.
Bio: Markus Matthes joined ASML, Veldhoven, The Netherlands, in 2011.
Markus started as a cluster manager in Development and Engineering and took on the Development and Engineering Sector in 2014.  Markus grew D&E to 8500 engineers globally, to cope with the huge demand to develop the Extreme Ultraviolet Technology (EUV) lithography technology. From September 2018 to April 2021, he led ASMLâs wide business improvement program âONEâ, which introduces a new business process framework, in conjunction with a new SAP system and a revised configuration management.  From April 2021 onwards, he is leading the ASMLâs San Diego EUV organization, developing the EUV light source for the EUV lithography scanner.
Markus holds a PhD in Continuum Mechanics from Technical University Darmstadt, Germany.
Workshop Presenters
Florian Willomitzer,
Associate Professor of Optical Sciences
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 | 9:58 a.m.
Title: âThe Computational 3D Imaging and Measurement Lab â From Fast and Precise 3D Sensors to Looking Around Corners“
Abstract: Computational 3D imaging and 3D display principles are âenabling technologiesâ that have the potential to foster transformational technical changes in the next decades. In this talk, I will introduce selected research activities of the âComputational 3D Imaging and Measurement Labâ (3DIM Lab) at the University of Arizona (https://www.optics.arizona.edu/3dim). The 3DIM Lab invents and develops novel structured light and time-of-flight imaging techniques working at depth resolutions in the 100ÎŒm-range, as well as novel methods to image hidden objects through scattering media or around corners. Moreover, the group works on unconventional techniques for accurate and fast eye-tracking, and the implementation of high-precision metrology methods in low-cost mobile handheld devices. Current applications of our developed techniques and systems can be found in industrial inspection, medicine, robotics, remote sensing, automotive sensing, VR/AR/MR, metrology, forensics, or cultural heritage preservation.
Bio: Florian Willomitzer is an Associate Professor at the Wyant College of Optical Sciences â University of Arizona. Prof. Willomitzer graduated from the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany, where he received his Ph.D. degree with honors (âsumma cum laudeâ) in 2017. Prior to joining the University of Arizona in Fall 2022, Prof. Willomitzer was a Research Assistant Professor at Northwestern University, where he started the Computational 3D Imaging and Measurement Lab. Prof. Willomitzer serves/served as Chair and Committee Member of several Optica COSI conferences, Optics Chair of the 2022 IEEE ICCP conference, Committee member of Optica FiO and ODF conferences, and as reviewer for Nature, Optica (OSA), SPIE, IEEE, and CVPR. He is recipient of the NSF CRII grant, winner of the Optica 20th Anniversary Challenge, and his Ph.D. thesis was awarded with the Springer Theses Award for Outstanding Ph.D. Research.
Joel Berkson,
Ph.D. Student
Wyant College of Optical Sciences
Advisor: Daewook Kim
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 | 10:19 a.m.
Title: “Fringe Projection Profilometry: a Critical Tool for Our Freeform Panel-forming Research“
Abstract: There are a myriad of metrology methods to measure smooth, specular optics, ranging from deflectometry to interferometry to wavefront sensors to Ronchi Tests. However, there is lacking methods to measure surfaces that are not so specular, yet still need high accuracy. This problem became apparent to us in the Steward Observatory Solar Lab where we are working to produce freeform radio antenna reflectors at low cost. There was simply nothing out there useful to us beyond CMMs or laser trackers, both of which are very costly, take up space and have slow data collection. This led us to develop a touchless method based on fringe projection profilometry. The method commonly uses one camera, but we integrate two cameras to the system to eliminate errors from a variety of sources. We have been using the system for the last year and half as a research tool for the entire lifecycle of producing antenna panels and assembling the final dish, along with other various applications.
Bio: Joel Berkson is a 5th year PhD candidate, graduating in Winter 2023. His research has spanned everything from optical design, optical fabrication and alignment, and optical metrology. In 2022, he earned Student Innovator of the Year from Tech Launch Arizona for his invention of a metrology method for checking the surface accuracy of radio telescope panels. Upon graduation, Joel will be launching his company, Fringe Metrology LLC, that aims to commercialize this technology for radio antennas and broader applications.
Tyler Peterson,
Ph.D. Student
Wyant College of Optical Sciences
Advisor: Rongguang Liang
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 | 10:32 a.m.
Title: “Designing Freeform Optics with the Wave Aberration Polynomial Surface Type“
Abstract: As the viability of freeform imaging optics grows, it is important that design methods evolve concurrently. Toward this end, we introduce the wave aberration polynomial, a novel freeform surface type derived directly from the wave theory of aberrations, and discuss its benefits over other popular freeform surface representations. We further propose a method to design freeform imaging systems, which will be outlined through examples of all-reflective, unobscured microscope objectives (up to NA=0.70), pupil relays, and tube lenses. We will conclude with a brief discussion of the optomechanical design and fabrication strategy of a 40x/0.53 four-mirror microscope objective.
Bio: Tyler Peterson is a fourth year PhD student in the Imaging and Applied Optics lab (PI: Rongguang Liang). His research focuses on the design of compact biomedical imaging devices with an emphasis on freeform optics. Prior to joining UA, Tyler worked in industry as an optical engineer for five years developing fluorescence microscopes.
Mohamed ElKabbash,Â
Assistant Professor of Optical Sciences
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 | 10:56 a.m.
Title: “Zero Change CMOS Nanophotonics“
Abstract: Nanophotonics is an interdisciplinary field that melds science and engineering to investigate the behavior of light and its interactions with matter on the nanometer scale. In this talk, I will present our research efforts in the co-integration of nanophotonic and electronic devices using standard bulk silicon CMOS foundry processes. Specifically, I will discuss the development of high-speed liquid crystal plasmonic modulators and demonstrate the promising potential of this approach for creating high-speed spatial light modulators and other optoelectronic devices.
Bio: Mohamed ElKabbash is an Assistant Professor in the College of Optical Sciences, University of Arizona. He did his PhD in Condensed Matter Physics at Case Western Reserve University (2013-2017) where he was a Case Comprehensive Cancer Center fellow, then spent two years as a postdoctoral researcher in the Institute of Optics, University of Rochester (2018-2020) . Mohamed then joined the Quantum Photonics Group at MIT (2020-2023). Mohamed’s research interests span a range of topics including Nanophotonics, Quantum optics, Optoelectronics, and table-top experimental tests of fundamental physics.
Nathan Gottesman,
Ph.D. Student
Wyant College of Optical Sciences
Advisor: Mahmoud Fallahi
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 | 11:17 a.m.
Title: “Controllable Generation of Higher-Order Transverse Modes in VECSELs“
Abstract: Higher-order transverse modes have been a forefront research topic stemming from some of the initial work on the laser; however, in the past decade Laguerre-Gaussian modes have experienced renewed interest in part due to the orbital angular moment (OAM) these modes carry. The structure and phase of these modes result in many applications including optical communication, nonlinear optics, atom and particle trapping and manipulation, and imaging sciences. The vertical external cavity surface emitting laser (VECSEL) provides an excellent platform as a source for these uniquely structed modes. In this presentation the development of higher-order mode tunable VECSELs will be summarized.
Bio: Nathan is a research associate within Dr. Mahmoud Fallahi’s research group which specializes on vertical external cavity surface emitting lasers (VECSELs). Nathan began his optical sciences education as an undergraduate at the Wyant College of Optical Sciences. During his undergraduate education, Nathan interned at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory where he worked on precision diagnostics systems for the National Ignition Facility. After completion of his B.S. degree, Nathan was accepted into the Ph.D. program to continue his research in Dr. Fallahi’s group. Nathan focuses specifically on two topics: generation of higher order modes in VECSELs and nitrogen-vacancy center magnetometry. The latter of which is an ongoing collaboration with the Air Force Research Laboratory.
Itay Ozer,
Ph.D. Student
Wyant College of Optical Sciences
Advisor: Saikat Guha
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 | 11:30 a.m.
Title: “Super-Resolution Imaging Without Prior Knowledge Using Spatial Modes Sorting“
Abstract: We show an obvious resolution improvement for two point-sources separation estimation below the Rayleigh limit when using MPLC (multi-plane light conversion) based spatial mode sorting in comparison to when using classical direct imaging with a limited number of photons and no prior information.
Bio: My name is Itay Ozer, I have received my B.S. and M.S. from the Wyant College of Optical Sciences and am currently pursuing my Ph.D. focusing on experimentally demonstrating the fundamental advantages of spatial mode sorting for imaging tasks, estimation tasks and more.
Kyle Seyler,
Assistant Professor of Optical Sciences
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 | 1:30 p.m.
Title: “Manipulating Quantum Nanomaterials with Light“
Abstract: Quantum materials host an extraordinary diversity of collective electronic behaviors, from exotic magnetism to high-temperature superconductivity. The quest to discover, explore, and harness these unique behaviors drives much of modern materials physics. Ultrafast laser pulses play a key role in this quest since they can not only probe material properties but also manipulate them on extremely fast timescales. In this talk, I will give an overview of this exciting field and discuss my labâs emerging efforts to manipulate quantum nanomaterials with light.
Bio: Kyle Seyler joined the University of Arizonaâs Wyant College of Optical Sciences as an Assistant Professor this Fall. He received his PhD in Physics from the University of Washington in 2018 where he used optical spectroscopy to study two-dimensional materials and their heterostructures. He was then a postdoc at Caltech where he explored the nonlinear and ultrafast optical properties of strongly correlated materials. A few notable honors he has received include Caltech’s Prize Postdoctoral Fellowship and the 2022 Quantum Creator’s Prize from the Chicago Quantum Exchange.
Christian Pluchar,
Ph.D. Student
Wyant College of Optical Sciences
Advisor: Dalziel Wilson
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 | 1:51 p.m.
Title: “Imaging-based Quantum Optomechanics“
Abstract: Quantum optomechanics studies the interaction between mechanical systems and light via the radiation pressure interaction, and has led to advances in quantum sensing, optical manipulation of mechanical systems, and quantum technologies. However, previous studies have typically focused on optomechanical coupling between light and translational mechanical degrees of freedom, such as the drum mode of a membrane, which modifies the amplitude and phase of the light field. Here, we discuss recent advances in âimaging-basedâ quantum optomechanics â where information about the mechanical resonatorâs motion is imprinted onto the spatial mode of the optical field. Therefore, optimal measurements of the motion are comparable to studies within quantum imaging. We discuss the sensitivity limits of âimaging-basedâ measurements of mechanical oscillators, including the effects of shot noise and radiation pressure noise. We also highlight recent experimental advances, including measuring an ultra-low mechanical dissipation torsion mode of a silicon nitride nanoribbon using a variety of measurement techniques, including an optical lever and a spatial-mode demultiplexer. Finally, we note the potential for squeezed light-enhanced imaging measurements of these devices, as well as producing squeezed light in higher-order spatial modes via this optomechanical interaction.
Bio: Christian is a 6th-year PhD student working in Dal Wilson’s lab. In his time at the Wyant College of Optical Sciences, he has worked on room-temperature quantum optomechanics experiments, including experiments to observe quantum behavior in macroscopic objects and squeezed light-enhanced measurements of mechanical motion. Prior to coming to Arizona, he worked at the LIGO Hanford Observatory and searches for physics beyond the Standard Model with trapped ions.
Seth Erickson,
Ph.D. Student
Wyant College of Optical Sciences
Advisor: R. Jason Jones
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 | 2:04 p.m.
Title: “Direct Comb Spectroscopy for Compact Atomic Clocks“
Abstract: Optical frequency combs enable optical atomic clocks to achieve instabilities significantly lower than previous generations of RF atomic clocks. However, the experimental complexity of these next-generation atomic clocks limits their fieldability and thus their applications. This presentation provides an overview of one solution, two-photon Doppler-free spectroscopy, with particular emphasis on a novel, direct comb technique.
Bio: Seth E Erickson is pursuing a PhD under advisement of R. Jason Jones. He previously studied cold atom physics as an undergraduate, before starting research on dual comb spectroscopy at the University of Arizona. His current research involves the development of a Direct Comb Spectroscopy Optical Rubidium Frequency Standard (DCS-ORAFS) as a fieldable atomic clock.
Ron Driggers,
Professor of Optical Sciences
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 | 2:17 p.m.
Title: “A Simple Method for Comparing Sensor Range Performance with Small Pitch LWIR and MWIR Detectors“
Abstract: There have been several papers in the past 10 years that describe the performance benefit of super-resolution, the optimal size of LWIR and MWIR detectors, and a simple model for predicting target acquisition range performance. A diffraction-limited infrared system has a range performance in good atmospheric conditions proportional to D/lambda, where D is the aperture diameter and lambda is the wavelength. For a non-diffraction-limited infrared system, Flambda/d (where F is F-number,lambda is wavelength, and d is the detector pitch) is a measure of how close to D/lambda (diffraction-limited performance) that you can achieve with the sensor. These two quantities provide a simple way to compare sensor range performance. We summarize how these metrics impact super-resolution, LWIR detector pitch, and MWIR detector pitch. For those who want to understand what this means in optical blur spot compared to detector size, we provide an equivalent spatial metric.
Bio: Ronald Driggers is a Professor in the Wyant College of Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona.
Kimberly Doty,
Ph.D. Student
Wyant College of Optical Sciences
Advisor: Lars Furenlid
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 | 2:38 p.m.
Title: “Fiber Optic Plates as Light Guides for Scintillation Cameras“
Abstract: The detection of high-energy photons using a scintillator requires thickness to create stopping power. The thickness of the scintillation crystal introduces parallax error in pinhole collimated systems unless the depth of interaction is accurately determined. We have considered whether introducing fiber optics to control the spread of light between a scintillator and an array of light sensors can improve 3D-position estimation. We thus developed a Monte Carlo light-transport simulation for an SiPM-based modular gamma camera that incorporates a fiber optic-plate in the light guide. This created a computational challenge due to the very large number of reflective and refractive surfaces that scintillation photons can encounter. We wrote a custom code in the Swift programming language that is capable of modeling the complicated trajectories. We performed the most computationally taxing components on GPU cores using the Metal framework. This code included refraction according to Snell’s law as well as reflection according to Fresnelâs laws at all index-of-refraction boundaries. We used the simulation code to create mean-detector-response functions (MDRFs). The predicted 3D spatial resolutions of cameras with and without fiber-optics were compared by using Fisher Information Matrices to calculate the CramĂ©r-Rao Lower Bounds on position-estimate variances.
Bio: Kimberly earned a BS degree in Biochemistry and Mathematics in 2017. Continuing along the path of multiple majors, she was simultaneously enrolled in the UA Optical Sciences Masters program and the UA Biomedical Engineering PhD program. Kimberly just completed the Optical Sciences MS degree and will be completing her BME PhD in the Spring of 2024. She is the recipient of the ARCs Foundation scholarship for the last two years. In the summer of 2022, she had a great experience as an intern with one of the Optical Sciences Industrial Affiliates. Her research is in algorithms, software, and electronics development for gamma-cameras that will be deployed in a dedicated human-brain SPECT imager.
Jaclyn John,
Ph.D. Student
Wyant College of Optical Sciences
Advisor: Meredith Kupinski
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 | 2:51 p.m.
Title: “LWIR Spectral Polarimetry for Ice/Water Discrimination“
Abstract: The University of Arizona Polarization Lab developed an Infrared Channeled Spectro-Polarimeter (IRCSP) to measure linear Stokes parameters with 1K polarimetric accuracy and 1um average spectral resolution between 8-11um. Emissivity and refractive index in this spectral band are known to depend upon water’s kinetic temperature and thermodynamic phase. In this work, the theoretical thermodynamic phase discrimination capabilities of spectral Long-Wave-Infrared (LWIR) polarimetry are demonstrated with IRCSP. In a room temperature laboratory environment, IRCSP measurements of melting ice are shown to depend on the view angle, wavelength, and thermodynamic phase. As the solid ice melted for 10 minutes, IRCSP measured a constant brightness temperature of 276K between the time-lapsed samples. The difference in the degree of linear polarization (DoLP) between solid and melted ice was 7% on average and peaked at 13% in the 9.5-10.5um waveband. This observation is an example of enhanced sensitivity to thermodynamic phase change using LWIR polarimetry.
Bio: Jaclyn is a 3rd year PhD student in the Polarization Lab. Her research involves using thermal spectro-polarimetry for remote sensing applications. The instrument used in her work was just recently deployed on a high-altitude balloon out of NASA Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility for cloud observations.
Five-Minute Rapid Fire Presenters
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 from 3:40 p.m. – 4:20 p.m.Â
Joshua Magnus, PhD Student
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 | 3:40 p.m.
Title: “Coherent Raman Imaging & Spectroscopy with Compact Ultrafast Fiber Lasers“
Advisor: Khanh Kieu
Abstract: Coherent Raman scattering (CRS) microscopy and spectroscopy is a nonlinear hyperspectral-imaging technique using stimulated Raman scattering to probe molecular vibrations of a sample. Probing a range of molecular vibrational resonances results in a Raman spectrum. With Raman spectral information, CRS microscopy & spectroscopy systems can achieve chemical specificity without any dyes, labels, or stains in the sample. This makes CRS microscopy a powerful tool for a variety of applications in many industries and research areas.
Bio: Josh Magnus is a member of the Ultrafast Fiber Lasers and Nonlinear Optics group led by Dr. Kieu, in his fourth year of the PhD program. He received his B.S. in Physics and Astrophysics from the University of Minnesota. Research areas of interest include novel ultrafast fiber lasers, nonlinear microscopy techniques including multiphoton imaging and Raman imaging, as well as Raman scattering processes.
Quinn Jarecki, PhD Student
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 | 3:45 p.m.
Title: “Simultaneous Estimation of Surface Normal and Absolute Depth from Mueller Polarimetry“
Advisor: Meredith Kupinski
Abstract: Conventional shape-from-polarization (SfP) techniques make use of partial polarimetric information acquired from Stokes imaging. Furthermore, conventional techniques require choosing between a purely specular or purely diffuse polarized light scattering model, even though most real-world objects exhibit a combination of these behaviors. Mueller imaging provides complete polarimetric information which enables estimation of not only the shape of an object, but also the absolute depth of the object at seen by each pixel. Analyzing Mueller measurements informs polarized scattering models that realistically mix specular and diffuse behaviors, resulting in improved shape estimates.
Bio: Quinn Jarecki is a 5th year PhD student in the Polarization Lab. His research interests include Mueller imaging polarimetry and polarized light scattering models. He is expected to graduate in Spring 2024.
Kevin Chew Figueroa, PhD Student
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 | 3:50 p.m.
Title: “Super Resolution in Heterogeneous Array Cameras under Coherent and Partially Coherent Illumination: A Generative Artificial Intelligence Approach“
Advisor:Â David J. Brady
Abstract: Single image super-resolution (SISR) research has witnessed advancements with the development of deep learning. However, most existing studies are still fundamentally limited by the resulting physics of their single aperture imaging modalities, bottlenecking the limit of information obtained as input for deep learning based super-resolved reconstructions. Alternatively, by using active coherent or partially coherent illumination, measured object fields exhibit significant image diversity in array camera systems, enabling snapshot Fourier ptychographic reconstruction strategies whose measurement performance can exceed that of a single-aperture system; a typical single-aperture system only being physically capable of measuring a limited region of the fieldâs Fourier domain. Thus, in this work we investigate a unique direction towards super-resolution with generative AI. To this end, we leverage the sampled image diversity measured by each array cameraâs multi-view sampling of the Fourier domain, while utilizing our prior work with neural representations, radiance fields, Neural Radiance Fields (NeRFs), and Transformer networks for fusion of the heterogeneous sensor data. By co-designing the coherent and partially coherent illumination scheme, array camera parameters, generative AI architectures and strategies a flexible and intelligent imaging system can be optimized for super-resolving remote targets.
Bio: Kevin Chew Figueroa is a doctoral student at the University of Arizona Wyant College of Optical Sciences. â Kevinâs research focuses on the intersection of Computational Optical Physics, Computational Imaging/Photography, and Deep Learning to contribute to emerging technologies in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Reality (AR)/Virtual Reality (VR). â This research includes camera arrays and displays, powered by Deep Learning, for 3D sensing, phase reconstruction, synthetic viewpoint generation, compressive imaging, and super resolution imaging. â He received his Masterâs Degree from the University of Southern California in Computer Science with a focus on Machine Learning, Computer Graphics, and Discrete Differential Geometry. He received his Bachelorâs Degree from Cal Poly University, Pomona in Computer /Electrical Engineering. â Kevin hopes to continue his research upon completing his PhD, either in the public and/or private sector. â He was a recipient of the ARCS Scholarship in 2022-2023, Kevin is also a GEM National Consortium Fellow, and a NASA 2023-2024 Fellow. â During Summer 2023, Kevin conducted research at Apple Research as part of a 3-month internship. In Summer 2022, Kevin conducted research at Meta Reality Labs (Facebook) as part of a 7-month internship. This was after Meta selected Kevin as 1 of 2 finalists in Metaâs Reality Labâs Photonics & Optics Fellowship Program, from a field of over 2,300 applicants from over 100 universities. â Kevin was also recognized by the Wyant College of Optical Sciences with the Joseph W. Goodman Graduate Student Endowed Scholarship in Optical Sciences. â He is currently working on research to be published and presented entitled âSuper Resolution in Heterogeneous Array Cameras under Coherent and Partially Coherent Illumination: A Generative AI Approachâ â He recently was first author on a journal publication entitled âAn interpretative Deep Learning Approach for Oral Cancer Classification Using Guided Attention Inference Network.â â His patent entitled âMethod and Device of Field Sequential Imaging for Large Field of View Augmented/Virtual Realityâ was recently awarded.
Zuzana Adams, PhD Student
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 | 3:55 p.m.
Title: “Design of a 1.0 mm Multiphoton Microendoscope System for Minimally Invasive Detection of Cancer“
Advisor:Â Jennifer Barton
Abstract: Early stage cancer manifests as tissue abnormalities that can be imaged with high resolution imaging modalities. Early detection of cancer is key to improving patient health outcomes. Multiphoton microscopy (MPM) is capable of performing high resolution imaging with preferential contrast targeting endogenous fluorophores indicative of metabolic processes and tissue structure, such as collagen in the extracellular matrix. For minimally invasive imaging in vivo, MPM must be implemented endoscopically. We are developing a 1.0mm diameter endoscopic system capable of multiphoton imaging of small tissue lumens deep within the body. A side-viewing imaging geometry is ideal for imaging these structures. Our endoscope performs multi-channel multiphoton imaging of these ductal structures via helical scanning of a side-viewing distal optical system. A dual clad optical fiber is used to carry 1400 nm femtosecond excitation pulses in the core, and collect visible-NIR light (460 â 890 nm) emission within the 1st cladding. Our distal optical system is comprised of custom designed 3D printed lenses, featuring an aspheric powered surface on the exit face of the endoscope fold prism to achieve high NA.
Bio: Zuzana Adams is a final-year Ph.D. candidate in Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona’s Wyant College of Optical Sciences. She currently conducts research in the Tissue Optics Laboratory under the mentorship of Dr. Jennifer Barton. Her doctoral dissertation is focused on the development of a minimally invasive multiphoton microendoscope system for early cancer detection. Among her primary research interests are lens design, multi-modal imaging, and optical system design. She is committed to applying her optical engineering skills in the creation of devices that have a positive impact on people’s lives. After completing her Ph.D., she looks forward to working in industry and is currently seeking job opportunities that will allow her to contribute to the development of cutting-edge optical technologies.
Yuanyuan Sun, PhD Student
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 | 4:00 p.m.
Title: “Compressive Hyperspectral Imaging with Tunable Light Source“
Advisor:Â Rongguang Liang
Abstract: Hyperspectral imaging is a powerful technique widely used in biomedical imaging, remote sensing and computer vision, etc. However, traditional hyperspectral imaging methods suffer from a trade-off between spatial, spectral and temporal resolution. With the evolution of learning-based algorithms, compressive spectral imaging has attracted increasing attention with its snapshot mechanism, simple hardware requirements, and advanced recovery algorithms. We have implemented a spectrally tunable light source for compressive hyperspectral research explorations. The flexibility, high degree of freedom and rapidity of this light source can grant higher accuracy and more possibilities for compressive spectral imaging.
Bio: Yuanyuan is a PhD student in the Imaging and Applied Optics Laboratory supervised by Professor Rongguang Liang. Her reseach topics focuse on hyperspectral imaging, polarization imaging, compressive imaging and deep learning. She believes that a more intelligent integration of hardware enhancements and deep learning based optimized algorithms can bring amazing breakthroughs beyond the limitations of current technology.
Jaren Ashcraft, PhD Student
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 | 4:05 p.m.
Title: “Mitigating polarization aberrations in astronomical telescopes with thin-film optimization“
Advisor:Â Ewan Douglas
Abstract: The Astro 2020 decadal survey outlined high-contrast imaging as a key science goal for astronomy in the next decade. To pursue this, a series of world-class observatories must be made in order to observe exoplanets at an unprecedented angular resolution and contrast. These observatories are uniquely sensitive to polarization aberrations, presenting a new challenge to astronomical instrumentation. We present a method of optimizing spatially-varying multilayer thin film stacks to minimize the influence of polarization aberrations on high-contrast imaging systems. With optimized thin-films we are able to reduce the contrast degradation by an order of magnitude. This design study is presented in an entirely open-source environment using the Poke ray-based physical optics package.
Bio: Jaren Ashcraft is a 5th year PhD candidate and NSTGRO fellow conducting research into open-source methods for optimizing the performance of next-generation high-contrast imaging instruments. He received his M.S. in Optical Sciences from UA in 2022 and B.S. in Optical Engineering from the University of Rochester in 2019
Maggie Kautz, PhD Student
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 | 4:10 p.m.
Title: “The High Contrast Adaptive-optics Testbed for risk reduction on the Giant Magellan Telescope“
Advisor: Laird Close
Abstract: GMagAO-X is a visible to NIR extreme adaptive optics (ExAO) system that will be used at first light for the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT). GMagAO-X is designed to deliver diffraction-limited performance at visible and NIR wavelengths (6 to 10 mas) and extreme contrasts on the order of 10^-7. The primary science case of GMagAO-X will be the characterization of mature, and potentially habitable, exoplanets in reflected light. GMagAO-X employs a woofer-tweeter system and includes segment phasing control. The tweeter is a 21,000 actuator segmented deformable mirror (DM), composed of seven individual 3,000 actuator DMs. This new ExAO framework of seven DMs working in parallel to produce a 21,000 actuator DM significantly surpasses any current or near future actuator count for a monolithic DM architecture. GMTâs unprecedented 25.4 m aperture composed of seven segments brings a new challenge of co-phasing massive mirrors to 1/100th of a wavelength. The primary mirror segments of the GMT are separated by large >30 cm gaps so there will be fluctuations in optical path length (piston) across the pupil due to vibration of the segments, atmospheric conditions, etc. We have developed the High Contrast Adaptive-optics Testbed (HCAT) to test new wavefront sensing and control approaches for GMT and GMagAO-X, such as the holographic dispersed fringe sensor (HDFS), and the new ExAO parallel DM concept for correcting aberrations across a segmented pupil. In this talk we will discuss the current efforts to prototype the novel hardware components and new wavefront sensing & control concepts for GMagAO-X on HCAT.
Bio: I am a 5th year PhD student in the College of Optical Sciences. I received my BS in Optical Engineering from OSC in 2019. My research is focused on optomechanical design for extreme adaptive optics systems on large telescopes.
Joshua Follansbee, PhD Student
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 | 4:15 p.m.
Title: “Target acquisition performance comparison of active continuous-wave and range-gated imaging systems at 1.6 and 2.1 um“
Advisor: Ronald Driggers
Abstract: Active imaging systems can provide increased contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and targeting performance over passive systems in low-light and long-range applications. We use both a radiometric model and the Night Vision Integrated Performance Model to compare the performance of active continuous-wave (CW) and laser range-gated (LRG) imaging systems with laser illumination at 1.6 and 2.1 ÎŒm, corresponding to the shortwave infrared (SWIR) and extended SWIR (eSWIR) bands, respectively. The imager performance is characterized by CNR as a function of range, as well as pixels-on-target. The modeling results demonstrate increased performance in the eSWIR band over the SWIR band in the majority of cases and increased performance for LRG systems over CW systems in all cases. The in-progress design of an active imaging testbed to confirm these modeling results with field imagery is discussed.
Bio: Joshua Follansbee is a third-year PhD student working in Ronald Driggers’ Infrared Systems group, where he focuses on active imaging techniques.
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Lab Tours
Tuesday, October 23, 2023 from 4:20 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.Â
Please note, Even-Numbered Rooms are located in the East Wing & Odd-Numbered Rooms are located in the West Wing.
The first floor can only be accessed through the central elevator and stairs (rooms 160D & 229).
The Barton Lab Tour, “Tissue Optics Lab” is Located in the Bioscience Research Lab, BIO5, Rm 160D–a Student will meet tour attendees in the 3rd Floor Lobby at 4:20 p.m. to walk attendees over.
Optical Engineering
PROFESSOR JENNIFER BARTON
Tissue Optics Lab
Bioscience Research Lab, BIO5, Rm 160D
Please meet a student guide in the 3rd Floor Lobby at 4:20pm to talk over
Zuzana Adams
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DAEWOOK KIM
Fringe Projection Profilometry for making Freeform Reflector Panels
Steward Observatory 487
Joel Berkson
PROFESSOR RON DRIGGERS
Infrared Systems Drone Lab
Meinel 467
Patrick Leslie
PROFESSOR YUZURU TAKASHIMA
Takashima Advanced LiDAR and Display Lab
Meinel 665
Gregory Nero
PROFESSOR RON LIANG
Precision Freeform Optics Fabrication Facility And On-Machine Metrology
Meinel 129
Wenjun Kang
Image Science
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR FLORIAN WILLOMITZER
3 Dimensional Computational Imaging(3DIM) Lab
Meinel 670
James Taylor & Jiwon Choi
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR MEREDITH KUPINSKI
Polarization Lab
Meinel 765 & 767
Jaclyn John
PROFESSOR DAVID BRADY
Array Camera Imaging
Meinel 106G
Kevin Figueroa
Optical Physics
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR DALZIEL WILSON
Quantum Optomechanics Lab
Meinel 676
Christian Pluchar
PROFESSOR R. JASON JONES
Ultraviolet Dual-Comb Lab
Meinel 578
John McCauley
PROFESSOR R. JASON JONES
Compact Atomic Clock Lab
Meinel 572
Seth Erickson & Dylan Tooley
Photonics
RESEARCH PROFESSOR XIUSHAN ZHU
Low Quantum Defect single frequency fiber laser
Meinel 229
Khawlah AlYahyaei
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR EUAN MCLEOD
Soft Nano-Photonic Systems
Meinel 667
Kenny Lang
PROFESSOR ROBERT NORWOOD
Photonic Integrated Circutis Lab
Meinel 207
Dr. Kyung-Jo Kim
PROFESSOR ROBERT NORWOOD
Photonics Materials and Devices
Meinel 506
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Poster Presenters
Monday, October 23, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.Â
Optical Engineering
Title: A Systems Engineering Approach to Streamlining Design Updates
Presenter: Alex Carter
Advisor: Ewan Douglas
Title: EO/IR Band Performance Comparison (VIS, SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR) for Aircraft Collision Avoidance
Presenter: Richard CavanaughÂ
Advisor: Ronald Driggers
Title: Impact of nanograting direction on ultrafast laser stress figuring
Presenter: Caroline HumphreysÂ
Advisor: Brandon Chalifoux
Title: Comparison of Scene Contrast Temperature in MWIR and LWIR
Presenter: Shane Jordan
Advisor: Ronald Driggers
Title:Â Target Acquisition Performance Comparison of Active CW and LRG Imaging Systems at 1.6 and 2.1 um
Presenter:Â Joshua Follansbe
Title: Optical Research on a 1-Meter Telescope on Maui
Presenter: Logan Pawlowski
Title: Speckle Modulating Portable Reflectance Confocal Microscopy
Presenter: Momoka Sugimura
Advisor: Dongkyun KangÂ
Title: Long-range object identification comparison of reflective band performance through dust and smoke
Presenter: Lindsey Wiley
Advisor: Ronald Driggers
Title: Band Comparison for Situational Awareness in Wildfireâs
Presenter: Patrick Leslie
Advisor: Ronald Driggers
Image Science
Title: Face and Eye Polarimetry in Near-Infrared
Presenter: Adeline Tai
Title:Â Stress-Optic Coefficient Measurement with and IR Polarimeter
Presenter:Â Dennis Shaw
Optical Physics
Title: Imaging based quantum optomechanics
Presenter: Morgan Choi
Advisor: Dalziel Wilson
Photonics
Title: Time-Gated Illumination for Lens-Free Fluorescent Microscopy
Presenter: Kenneth Lang
Advisor: Euan McLeod
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