OSC Colloquium: Abbie Watnik, "Controlling Light in Uncontrolled Environments"

July 24, 2023
Abbie Watnik

Title: Controlling Light in Uncontrolled Environments 

Abstract: 

Uncontrolled environments – either natural or manmade – impact how light propagates and is detected. Various scenarios such as atmospheric turbulence, laser threats, camouflage, turbid or scattering conditions (underwater, fog, sand, etc.), all affect light propagation, detection and ultimately our ability to sense and image the world around us. In this talk, I will provide an overview of research at the US Naval Research Laboratory that utilize active imaging approaches to provide successful image reconstructions when the environment for collecting photons limits conventional approaches to imaging.

 

 

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Nov
07
OSC Colloquium: Caleb Baker, "Doing it for the 'Graph (Design, Function, and System Test Results of the Roman Coronagraph Instrument)"
3:30 – 5 p.m., Nov. 7, 2024

As the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope approaches its planned launch date in 2027, the engineers of one of its two instruments have recent cause to celebrate. Roman’s Coronagraph Instrument (CGI), a technology demonstration chasing direct images of Jupiter-like exoplanets, completed its system-level thermal vacuum test in May 2024, successfully demonstrating that it performs to its threshold requirements in a flight-like environment. Please join me as we walk through the design, function, and performance demonstration of one of the most complex optical instruments NASA has ever attempted to fly.

Past Speakers

wang colloquium
3:30 – 5 p.m., Oct. 24, 2024

OSC Colloquium: Tianyu Wang, "Photonic Neural Networks: Neuromorphic Computing and Sensing in the Optical Domain"

Beyond the energy efficiency for large AI models, I will also discuss another advantage of optical computing: the ability to process optical data directly in the optical domain. I will provide an example of using a nonlinear photonic neural network for image sensing applications, achieving an 800-fold image compression ratio to bypass the optoelectronic conversion bottleneck. Finally, I will offer an outlook on how optical processing techniques can enhance imaging and sensing efficiency, particularly for quantum light.
Stephan Schlamminger colloquium
3:30 – 5 p.m., Oct. 17, 2024

OSC Colloquium: Stephan Schlamminger, "The Vexing Quest to Pin Down the Gravitational Constant"

In this talk, we will explore the fascinating history of attempts to pin down G, from early breakthroughs to the most sophisticated experiments of the past three decades. While these modern efforts have yet to deliver a definitive answer, they have produced innovative techniques that push the boundaries of precision measurement—methods that are as ingenious as they are instructive. Join me as we delve into the vexing journey of measuring G and uncover the scientific creativity behind this ongoing challenge.
Fulda Colloquium
3:30 – 5 p.m., Oct. 10, 2024

CANCELED: OSC Colloquium: Paul Fulda, "The Future of Gravitational Wave Detection on Earth and in Space"

In this talk I will discuss the key science targets for Cosmic Explorer, and some of the technical challenges it faces. I will include a focus on the optical design of the 40km laser interferometers, which is currently underway as part of a multi-institute collaboration. I will also outline the LISA mission concept, highlighting University of Florida and University of Arizona's roles in validating a key NASA deliverable to the mission: the telescopes that send and receive laser light across the vast distance between the three spacecraft. As we look forward to the 2030's, we can also consider some of the exciting multi-wavelength gravitational wave science that can be done with both instruments operating in concert.