In Memoriam: Philip N. Slater

Dr. Philip N. Slater, Emeritus Professor of Optical Sciences, passed away peacefully on the evening of February 4, 2022 at the age of 89.

Professor Slater was born in 1932, and received the B.Sc. degree in 1955 and the Diploma of Imperial College and Ph.D. degree in applied optics in 1958 from the Imperial College of Science and Technology, London.  From 1958 to 1962 he was a research physicist at the IIT Research Institute, Chicago, and from 1962 to 1966 he was manager of its optics research section. His expertise in aerial and space photography led to his recruitment to the University of Arizona in 1966, where, after one year as a research professor at Steward Observatory, he joined the growing Optical Sciences Center at the University of Arizona as a Professor of Optical Sciences. From 1968 to 1973 he was assistant director and from 1973 to 1975 associate director of the Optical Sciences Center.

Dr. Slater’s research included studies of atmospheric effects on spectral signatures and the design and calibration of multispectral linear-array systems for remote sensing of the earth’s surface from space. In his prolific career, Phil published approximately 90 research works, including his successful book, “Remote Sensing: Optics and Optical Systems,” published in 1980.  Phil was also elected to Fellow of the Optical Society of America (now Optica) in that year. 

“I knew Phil since 1984 and was proud to be among the diverse group of students and visiting scientists that he managed.  Under his leadership we worked well together to advance government-sponsored work with calibration of space-based and aircraft remote sensing instruments.  We spent many days (and nights) at interesting field sites such as White Sands missile range where the students and visitors camped in tents. I always remember our field work as interesting and fun, and Phil always did more than his share of the field work carrying back-pack mounted instruments!  I’ll always remember him as a great example, and my advisor, mentor and friend.,” said Dr. Stu Biggar, Research Professor of Optical Sciences and a close colleague of Phil’s at OSC.

Phil and his wife Joan have been generous supporters of OSC students over the years, sponsoring the Philip N. and Joan A. Slater Scholarship each year.

Emeritus Professor of Optical Sciences Eustace Dereniak recalls, “My remembrance of Phil was establishing a short course in optical sciences before they were in style.  It was a 2-week event for industrial affiliates, as well as anyone else, to take 9 courses at two topics per day in 4-hour lectures.  The social gathering and parties afterwards at night provided entertainment, but also possibilities to establish mutual research interests with industry.  Phil was a pioneer in that effort along with his wife Joan.”

Founding Dean and Emeritus Professor of Optical Sciences Jim Wyant shared his fond memories of Phil, noting, “In his humble, but impactful way, Phil was an early and very important OSC faculty member. As associate director for several years and head of an excellent, well-funded remote sensing program, he did much to strengthen our program and reputation. Aside from work, one of his favorite activities was running, and he especially enjoyed talking some of us into joining him for a few miles at lunch time, all months of the year, including July! Some of my fondest memories are of the yearly OSC Saguaro East race that Phil was instrumental in starting. Not only did he participate in the race, but he and Joan also hosted an amazing breakfast for everyone at their house afterwards.”

Pierre Meystre, Regents' Professor Emeritus of Optical Sciences, reflected, “In memory of Phil I went to Saguaro National Park East today – I’m no longer able to run the 8.5 mile loop, so instead I did a 8.5-mile hike up and down Tanque Verde Ridge Trail. Perfect way to think about it all … Brought all kinds of wonderful memories from the old days…”

 “In addition to the tremendous respect we all held for Phil’s technical prowess and impactful contributions, we also all deeply enjoyed his charming presence here at the college,” said Thomas Koch, Dean of the Wyant College of Optical Sciences. “Our deepest sympathy and condolences go to Phil’s wife Joan and their family; he will be missed greatly.”