Join us on January 31 at the upcoming SPIE Photonics West conference to cheer on Ph.D. student, Simon Tsaoussis, as he showcases his startup company KostaCLOUD in the 2023 SPIE Startup Challenge.

Assistant Professor Judy Su's and Associate Professor Euan McLeod's work has been highlighted by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency in their monthly newsletter,  JSTO: In the News: "Light Work: Advancements in photonics research may lead to smaller and lighter chemical sensors."

Dave Hagan

Our understanding of nonlinear optical materials characterization has progressed sufficiently over the years to allow a reliable picture of the physical processes leading to the nonlinear optical properties of a material. This is largely thanks to the development of reliable, complimentary characterization methods. I will provide an overview of our techniques in nonlinear refraction and absorption characterization. Additionally, I will describe how nonlinear interactions can be strongly enhanced when two very different wavelengths are used. In addition to the obvious applications of this effect, I will describe applications in diverse applications as infrared detection and tunable mid-IR sources. Finally, I will present some rather amazing results in so-called “epsilon-near-zero” materials.

Marcia Rieke

The James Webb Space Telescope marks a new era in space astronomy. The telescope itself is the most complicated space astronomy mission ever launched with an instrument suite designed to take maximum advantage of the telescope’s capabilities. Because of the nature of Webb, the commissioning process was highly structured with a carefully designed timeline. I will discuss some of the challenges inherent in the commissioning process, and how the team met the challenges and how the mission moved from commissioning to routine operations. I will also present some of the early science results.

Paul McManamon

Dr. McManamon will talk mostly about LiDAR, but also include optical beam steering and free space laser communications. The LiDAR talk will include significant discussion of auto LiDAR, the form of LiDAR that is getting the most funding at this time. Revolutionary optical beam steering techniques will also be discussed, that will change how many optical systems are made. Free space optical communication, using some of these beam steering techniques will also be discussed.

On December 8th outside of the Meinel building, the final staff recognition awards were presented after a fantastic meal during the Wyant College Staff Recognition and Holiday Luncheon. Awards presented included the 4th Quarter Peer-to-Peer, two SPOT awards in November, and the Honorable Mention and Employee of the Year.

December 8th was the 2022 Wyant College Staff Appreciation and Holiday Lunch. Students, staff and faculty gathered outside the Meinel building to enjoy a delicious meal; listen to music; announce the staff employee of the year, honorable mention and 4th quarter peer-to-peer and spot awards.