Faculty News

In this Five Minute Review, Cole discusses the history behind the new publication, ""Redefining precision interferometry and spectroscopy with high-performance optical interference coatings." Cole also explains how these remarkable coatings work and shares why quieter, or in other words—less wiggly—mirrors can unlock entirely new frontiers in science and technology.

Congratulations Dr. Travis Sawyer, assistant professor at the Wyant College of Optical Sciences, on being named a Fulbright U.S. Scholar, supporting international research and academic exchange.

Judith Su has been named a recipient of the 2026 Convergence Award: Excellence in Research and Creative Activity in the category of Applied Research and Engineering, one of the University of Arizona’s highest honors recognizing research excellence.

We’re proud to share that two of our faculty members, Dr. Leilei Peng and Dr. Kanu Sinha, have been named to the Photonics 100 for 2026, an international list recognizing the most innovative and influential people in photonics.

Congratulations to Dr. Kanu Sinha, who has been selected as a Fellow for the 2025–2027 Scialog on Quantum Matter and Information, a prestigious initiative by the Research Corporation for Science Advancement (RCSA).

It is with great pleasure that the Wyant College of Optical Sciences announces that three Endowed Chairs in Optical Sciences have been awarded. The establishment of these endowed chairs has been made possible through the generous donations made by Optica and the Thomas R. Brown Family Foundation, and the $20+ million matching pledge made by the late founding dean of the college, Emeritus Professor James C. Wyant, and his family.