Optical Sciences Faculty Spotlighted in AZPM's Arizona Illustrated

Research carried out by Wyant College of Optical Sciences faculty was recently featured by AZPM's Arizona Illustrated Video Series. 

"Reinventing Plastics" 

Features Jeffrey Pyun, professor of chemistry & biochemistry, College of Science, and joint professor of optical sciences, Wyant College of Optical Sciences, as well as Robert Norwood, professor of optical sciences, Wyant College of Optical Sciences. 

Summary

Professor Jeffrey Pyun and his team in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University of Arizona have developed an advanced plastic made out of sulfur – a remarkable invention that makes use of a notoriously useless byproduct from the fossil fuel industry. Deemed the “Devil’s rock,” due to its association as brimstone, sulfur makes up 70 million tons of waste annually. Together with Robert Norwood, Professor of Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona, these new plastics have been developed into a variety of uses that include state-of-the-art infrared and night vision glasses, longer-lasting batteries for electric vehicles, and tires – among many more applications (including vinyl records!). In many cases, these sulfur-based plastics now rival traditional plastics in their application and use.

"World's Fastest Electron Microscope"

Features Mohammed Hassan, associate professor of physics, College of Science, and optical sciences, Wyant College of Optical Sciences.

Summary

The Guinness World Record for developing the world’s fastest electron microscope now belongs to the University of Arizona, thanks to breakthroughs made by Associate Professor of Physics and Optical Sciences, Mohammed Hassan. The microscope is so fast that it can match the speed of electrons in motion, meaning that it can resolve clear images of these subatomic particles in real time and space. Soon researchers might be able to use the microscope to better understand the mysterious realm of quantum mechanics.