14th International Conference on Optics-Photonics Design and Fabrication, ODF’24 & Student Awardees

Image

The 14th International Conference on Optics-Photonics Design and Fabrication, ODF’24, was co-organized by Optical Design Group (ODG Japan) and the Wyant College of Optical Sciences.

A total of 153 attendees shared the latest findings in optics at the conference from July 10-12 at the University of Arizona. This included the presentation of 110 papers, including 54 student papers, sharing state-of-the-art research in optics from the USA, Japan, and other countries. Winners were selected for the Student Paper and Poster Awards, highlighting students' contributions to this research field. Two of four awards were received by U of A students: Jiwon Choi (Student Paper Award) and Yong Jun Kim (Student Poster Award). Additional winners from the ODF '24 conference included Hiroshi Ohno, Toshiba, Japan; for the Best Paper Award and Shinya Ohkubo, National Institute of Technology Numazu College, Japan; for Best Poster Award.

Student Paper Award

Image

W3B-02: "Accurate Eye-Tracking from Deflectometric Information Using Deep Learning" 
J. Choi, J. Wang, T. Wang, F. Willomitzer

Jiwon Choi, a second-year PhD student in Optical Sciences, is conducting research under the guidance of Associate Professor Florian Willomitzer, who directs the Computational 3D Imaging and Measurement Lab (3DIM) at the University of Arizona. Her work focuses on integrating machine learning in various optical 3D metrology and 3D imaging techniques. In particular, Jiwon's work exploits deflectometry and deep learning to estimate the eye's gaze direction based on its surface reflections. Beyond this, Jiwon aims to extend the developed methodologies to other specular objects with more complex shapes, aiming for a broader range of applications in her post-graduation career.

Student Poster Award

Image

ThP-31 "Automated Analysis of Scattering-based Light Sheet Microscopy Images of Anal Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions"
Y. Kim, J. Zhao, B. Liang, M. Sugimura, K. Marcelino, R. Romero, A. Nessaee, C. Ocaya, K. Lim, M. Khan, E. Yang, D. Kang

Yong Jun Kim, a second-year biomedical engineering MS student, is working with DK Kang, Associate Professor of Optical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, to develop algorithms that can automatically analyze scattering-based light sheet microscopy (sLSM) images of anal squamous intraepithelial lesions. This enabled the researchers to create classification models with MATLAB's Classification Learner app, leading to effective diagnostic performance with promising sensitivity and specificity. Yong Jun is currently working with DK Kang to develop this and other imaging devices for healthcare. Yong Jun shared, "With experience in developing imaging algorithms and designing optical systems, I aim to deepen my expertise through further research and am eager to contribute to the advancement of healthcare technologies and improve patient outcomes through innovative medical devices."

The next ODF’26 meeting will be held in Toyama, Japan in June 2026.