TOMORROW! OSA student chapter seminar: "Infrared transmitting glasses and glass ceramics for infrared transmission and energy applications" by Xianghua Zhang 1.31.14/2:00pm-3:00pm/ CREOL 102

OSA student chapter seminar: "Infrared transmitting glasses and glass ceramics for infrared transmission and energy applications" by Xianghua Zhang

Friday, January 31, 2014 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Room 102

Xianghua Zhang
Laboratory of glasses and ceramics, Institute of chemistry Université de Rennes I-CNRS

Abstract:
There are very few materials which are transparent in the 8-12 µm region and which are environmentally stable enough for practical applications. Chalcogenide glasses are glasses based on sulfur, selenium and tellurium. They have been intensively studied mainly due to its large optical transmission window from visible to infrared. Chalcogenide glass ceramics are composite materials containing glass and crystals with significantly improved mechanic and optical properties.
More recently, chalcogenide glass ceramics with outstanding photoelectric properties have also been discovered. Fist results show already high efficiency for visible light photocatalytic applications.
The preparation, properties and applications of these materials will be presented.

Biography:
Zhang received his BA in materials science and engineering from Zhejiang University (China) in 1983, and his MA and PhD in solid state chemistry from University of Rennes 1 (France) respectively in 1985 and 1988. He joined the CNRS (French National Centre for scientific research) in 1989. In 1996, he founded the company VERTEX S.A. specialized in infrared optics thanks to the technology transfer from the joint CNRS/University of Rennes’s laboratory of glasses and ceramics. In 2001 this company became part of the UMICORE group, world leading supplier of infrared materials. In 2002, He returned to the CNRS as research director. Zhang has been specialized in infrared transmitting glasses and glass ceramics, and he is author or co-author of more than 200 scientific papers in peer reviewed journals and 14 patents. He is currently the director of the laboratory of glasses and ceramics in university of Rennes (France) with 25 permanent staffs and 20 PhD students/post-docs.

For additional information:
Guangming Tao
Vice-president of OSA chapter
gtao@creol.ucf.edu

Distinguished Speaker Series http://events.ucf.edu/?y=2014&m=1&d=30# Jan. 30 and Physics Colloquium http://events.ucf.edu/?y=2014&m=1&d=31# Jan. 31 - Dr. Jack M. Wilson

Distinguished Speaker Series (link) http://events.ucf.edu/?y=2014&m=1&d=30#

Dr. Jack M. Wilson - President-Emeritus, The University of Massachusetts

Date:	Thursday, January 30th
Time:	4:30 pm-6:00 pm
Description:	Universities in an Era of Economic and Technological Challenge Never has more been expected of universities. We are expected to change the world and our communities and create an exciting and successful future for our students. At the same time, we are expected to demonstrate greater accountability and to find ways to meet the raised expectations with much less resource. At one time MOOCs were expected to be the savior of higher education while making education universally available and free. Over time, the flaws in that theory became clear and the pendulum swung to another extreme -with university after university rejecting deployment of MOOCs out of both rational and irrational fears. At the same time, the relentless growth of online education has continued without interruption by great recessions or political upheavals- with over seven million students now participating in online education from very reputable (and somewhat less so) institutions,. Many think that higher education is now in the process of being disrupted by technology in the manner that Clayton Christenson has shown to have occurred in so many other sectors of our economy. He may be right, but may not understand why or how. Additional Public Info: http://www.cos.ucf.edu/dss/wilson/
	Room: Classroom Building 2 (CB2) Room 106, UCF Will Physics lead, follow, or get out of the way? (link) http://events.ucf.edu/?y=2014&m=1&d=31# Dr. Jack M. Wilson - President-Emeritus, The University of Massachusetts Date: Friday, January 31st Time: 4:30 pm-6:00 pm Description: Over two decades ago, physics educators identified the three C’s as forces that were changing Physics and Physics teaching in profound ways. Computers, Communication, and Cognition would change the world, and Physics was taking the lead in all aspects. Computing was in a period in which it was advancing so rapidly that neither researchers nor educators could keep up. The internet was bursting upon the world, changing the way people communicate, and Physics did it first. Even in the cognitive sciences, much of the work was being done in understanding how physics concepts were learned and taught. In early 2011, the National Academy of Sciences formed a Committee on Undergraduate Physics Education Research and Implementation to review the progress in undergraduate physics education and see how well we had adapted to these forces. In 2013, our report, “National Academy of Sciences, Adapting to a Changing World--Challenges and Opportunities in Undergraduate Physics Education” was released. It was fair to say that the committees reaction was mixed. While Physics Education had continued to innovate and many of these innovative programs had been deployed, we were a bit disappointed that the change had not been as pervasive as the committee thought it should. We provided recommendations to the various stakeholders on what we thought could and should be done to allow Physics and Physics education to regain the momentum and prominence that we once had enjoyed. This was an optimistic report that saw how much had been accomplished, but it was also a report that advocated for an increased pace of change. We will discuss some of the issues raised in the report and some of the future opportunities (and challenges) in physics education –from studio or workshop courses, to flipped classrooms, to MOOCs. Location: Room: 161 Physical Sciences (PSB)
Contact:	Pat physics @ ucf . edu

LPTH Press Release - LightPath Technologies Schedules Fiscal 2014 Second Quarter Conference Call

LightPath Technologies Schedules Fiscal 2014 Second Quarter Conference Call Financial Results to be Announced on January 30th After Close of Market For Immediate Release ORLANDO, FL -- January 23, 2014 -- LightPath Technologies, Inc. ("LightPath", the "Company" or "we") (NASDAQ: LPTH), a global manufacturer, distributor and integrator of patented optical components and high-level assemblies, today announced the scheduling of a conference call and simultaneous webcast to discuss the Company’s financial and operational results for the fiscal 2014 second quarter ended December 31, 2013. Conference Call Details: Date: Thursday, January 30, 2014 Time: 4:30 PM (ET) Dial-in Number: 1-800-860-2442 International Dial-in Number: 1-412-858-4600 Webcast: http://services.choruscall.com/links/lpth140130.html Participants are recommended to dial-in or log-on approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the event. A replay of the call will be available approximately one hour after completion through March 3, 2014. To listen to the replay, dial 1-877-344-7529 (domestic) or 1-412-317-0088 (international), and enter conference ID # 10038869. About LightPath Technologies LightPath (NASDAQ: LPTH) manufactures optical products including precision molded aspheric optics, GRADIUM® glass products, proprietary collimator assemblies, laser components utilizing proprietary automation technology, higher-level assemblies and packing solutions. The Company's products are used in various markets, including industrial, medical, defense, test & measurement and telecommunications. LightPath has a strong patent portfolio that has been granted or licensed to us in these fields. For more information, visit www.lightpath.com This news release includes statements that constitute forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This information may involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, factors detailed by LightPath Technologies, Inc. in its public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required under the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Company does not have any intention or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. GRADIUM ® is a registered trademark of LightPath Technologies. ###

TOMORROW! Seminar: “Correlation between Parameters of Optical Field Angular Momentum in the Vicinity of Optical Singularity" by Prof. Igor Mokhun/1.24.14/ 4:00pm-5:00pm/ CREOL 102

Seminar: “Correlation between Parameters of Optical Field Angular Momentum in the Vicinity of Optical Singularity" by Prof. Igor Mokhun

Friday, January 24, 2014 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
CREOL Room 102

Prof. Igor Mokhun

Chernivtsi University, Physical, Technical and Computer Sciences Institute, Ukraine

Abstract:

The relations between distributions associated with different optical parameters are considered. Such kinds of relations are analyzed: intensity – polarization; intensity – azimuth of transversal Poynting vector component; azimuth of transversal Poynting vector component – modulus of this component; azimuth of transversal Poynting vector component – polarization. It is shown that such relations may be realized as correlation or “anticorrelation”. For example, intensity of field has small gradient in areas where the polarization changes quickly. The method of measurement of characteristics of Poynting vector components is proposed. The results of experimental confirmation are presented. The angular momentum in the area of C-point (point of circular polarization) is considered. It is shown that spin angular momentum of quasi-chromatic “simple” beam like Gaussian practically does not depend on time coherency. The results of experimental investigations are presented.

 Biography:

Igor Mokhun graduated from Chernivtsi University, Ukraine receiving PhD in 1986 and a degree of Doctor of Science in year 2000. Currently, he is a Professor at the Correlation Optics department and a Vice Director for Research at the Physical, Technical and Computer Institute of Chernivtsi University, Ukraine. Prof. Mokhun’s areas of research are singular Optics, coherent optics, holography, and optical data processing. He is a member of OSA, member of the Academy of Association of Ukrainian Universities, Vice President of Ukrainian Society of Pure and Applied Optics, and Vice President of the regional branch of the European Optical Society. He has been awarded with Sergey Vavilov medal of Russian Optical society. Prof. Mokhun is an author of four books and more than 200 publications in scientific journal.

For additional information:

Dr. Leonid B. Glebov

Research Professor of Optics

407-823-6983

lbglebov @ creol . ucf . edu

FSI Seminar Tuesday January 28

The Physical State of Regolith on Airless Bodies, Including Interactions with Lander Missions

For further information please click below:

http://fsi.ucf.edu/seminars/ 

                         

Contact:

Ashley Kehoe / Josh Colwell

Department of Physics

Phone: 407-823-6306

Email: Ashley.Kehoe @ ucf . edu

Follow us on Twitter at ucfFSI

And check out our website at: http://fsi.ucf.edu/

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Seminar: “Correlation between Parameters of Optical Field Angular Momentum in the Vicinity of Optical Singularity" by Prof. Igor Mokhun 1.24.14/4:00pm-5:00pm/ CREOL 102

Seminar: “Correlation between Parameters of Optical Field Angular Momentum in the Vicinity of Optical Singularity" by Prof. Igor Mokhun

Friday, January 24, 2014 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
CREOL Room 102

Prof. Igor Mokhun

Chernivtsi University, Physical, Technical and Computer Sciences Institute, Ukraine

Abstract:

The relations between distributions associated with different optical parameters are considered. Such kinds of relations are analyzed: intensity – polarization; intensity – azimuth of transversal Poynting vector component; azimuth of transversal Poynting vector component – modulus of this component; azimuth of transversal Poynting vector component – polarization. It is shown that such relations may be realized as correlation or “anticorrelation”. For example, intensity of field has small gradient in areas where the polarization changes quickly. The method of measurement of characteristics of Poynting vector components is proposed. The results of experimental confirmation are presented. The angular momentum in the area of C-point (point of circular polarization) is considered. It is shown that spin angular momentum of quasi-chromatic “simple” beam like Gaussian practically does not depend on time coherency. The results of experimental investigations are presented.

 Biography:

Igor Mokhun graduated from Chernivtsi University, Ukraine receiving PhD in 1986 and a degree of Doctor of Science in year 2000. Currently, he is a Professor at the Correlation Optics department and a Vice Director for Research at the Physical, Technical and Computer Institute of Chernivtsi University, Ukraine. Prof. Mokhun’s areas of research are singular Optics, coherent optics, holography, and optical data processing. He is a member of OSA, member of the Academy of Association of Ukrainian Universities, Vice President of Ukrainian Society of Pure and Applied Optics, and Vice President of the regional branch of the European Optical Society. He has been awarded with Sergey Vavilov medal of Russian Optical society. Prof. Mokhun is an author of four books and more than 200 publications in scientific journal.

For additional information:

Dr. Leonid B. Glebov

Research Professor of Optics

407-823-6983

lbglebov @ creol . ucf . edu

Speaker Peter Brown at UCF Monday January 27,2013

Monday, Jan 27: public talk 7 pm Room DEF, Pegasus Ballroom at the UCF Student Union

Title: The impact hazard from small asteroids: Lessons from the Chelyabinsk airburst one year later

Abstract:  A year ago a small asteroid exploded without warning with the force of 500,000 tons of TNT over Chelyabinsk, Russia. Dr. Peter Brown is one of the leading experts on this event and will speak on the explosion and the hazards to Earth poised by small asteroids. The impact hazard at the Earth due to small asteroids is uncertain. The root of this uncertainty is the poorly understood interaction of small asteroids in the atmosphere together with the associated impact effects at the ground together with the poorly constrained number of small objects impacting Earth. The Chelyabinsk airburst has provided detailed data on a well-observed damage-producing airburst for the first time. In this talk Dr. Brown will describe what we have learned about the Chelyabinsk airburst in the year since it occurred and what it may tell us more broadly about the effects we can expect from future impacts at the Earth.

The Speaker:

Professor Peter Brown, Ph.D. is a Distinguished Research Professor in the Faculty of Science at the Department of Physics and Astronomy, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada. He is the Director of the Centre for Planetary Science and Exploration at Western University. Dr. Brown’s research on the interaction between meteoroids and the Earth’s atmosphere, the detection of meteor explosions, and the identification of the sources of meteors. Most recently he has lead an intensive study of the Chelyabinsk airburst. 

Patti Szczerba

Patricia Szczerba

Florida Space Institute

Space Medicine/Life Sciences

407-823-6351

Free Seminar - The Science of Social Media - Engineering Your Marketing by TCDG Studios, Inc.

Seminar: "Volatiles sampling and detection using SPME-GC-MS and PSPME-IMS" by Anna Raeva 1.24.14/ 2:00pm-3:00pm/ CREOL 102

Seminar: "Volatiles sampling and detection using SPME-GC-MS and PSPME-IMS" by Anna Raeva

Friday, January 24, 2014 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
CREOL Room 102

Anna Raeva

 Florida International University

Abstract:

Solid phase microextraction (SPME) is a widely used technique for headspace sampling of volatiles. Its advantages include fast extraction times and high sensitivity. It can be easily coupled to a commercially available gas chromatograph – mass spectrometer (GC-MS). In this presentation, the application of SPME-GC-MS to sampling and detection of volatile compounds from the headspace of explosives and honey will be described. In addition to SPME-GC-MS, planar solid phase microextraction (PSPME) coupled to an ion mobility spectrometer (IMS) and its application to non-contact sampling and extraction of volatiles from explosives will be covered. PSPME is a sampling method that has been previously developed in our research group. Compared to SPME, PSPME offers an increased surface area and phase volume as well as the possibility of dynamic sampling. The performance of PSPME coupled to a bench-top IMS and portable IMS as well as SPME coupled to a bench-top GC-MS for sampling and detection of volatiles from explosives will be compared. Smokeless powders will be used as a model system of explosives.

Biography:

Anna Raeva graduated with a BS and MS in Analytical Chemistry from Moscow State University. She graduated with a PhD in Analytical and Physical Chemsitry at the University of North Dakota in 2011, working on trace element partitioning during coal combustion using a new in situ/direct method, under the direction of Dr. Evguenii Kozliak and Dr. David Pierce. Since 2012, she has been a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Jose Almirall's research group at Florida International University. During her appointment she worked on multiple projects: explosives detection using PSPME-IMS, manuka honey analysis using SPME-GC-MS and analysis and discrimination of printing inks using DART-MS, MALDI-MS, Py-GC-MS and FTIR. She is a member of ACS and ASMS.

For additional information:

Dr. Matthieu Baudelet

Research Assistant Professor of Optics

407-823-6910

baudelet @ creol . ucf . edu

CREOL Industrial Affiliates Day 2014 & Short Courses

Please join us for CREOL's Industrial Affiliates Day 2014 on Friday, March 7th. An exciting program has been planned with a theme of “Advances in Optics & Photonics”. Topics include: fiber lasers, nanophotonics for medical applications, optical ceramic lasers, and silicon photonics. Invited distinguished speakers include: Bryce Sampson (Nufern), Mehdi Asghari (Kotura Inc.) and Greg Quarles (Optoelectronics Management Network). Four CREOL faculty (Lawrence Shah, Pieter Kik, Romaine Gaume, and Sasan Fathpour) will also give technical talks reporting research at UCF.
The program will also include a panel discussion on “Photonics Education-current and future education expectations in optics and photonics”.
There are four 90-minute short courses scheduled on the afternoon of Thursday, March 6, offered by CREOL instructors:

• Terahertz Photonics, 1:00– 2:30 PM. Instructor: Konstantin Vodopyanov
• Nanophotonics and Plasmonics, 1:00– 2:30 PM. Instructor: Pieter Kik
• Silicon Photonics, 2:45– 4:15 PM. Instructor: Sasan Fathpour
• Fiber Lasers, 2:45– 4:15 PM. Instructor: Axel Schulzgen

And, of course, the traditional social event, "The Spring Thing" hosted by Dr. MJ Soileau, is planned for Saturday, March 8th.
For more information, please visit our website at http://www.creol.ucf.edu/Partnerships/Affiliates/AffiliatesDay2014/
Don't forget to register and print your parking pass! I hope to see you in March!
Best regards,

Bahaa Saleh
CREOL, The College of Optics and Photonics University of Central Florida
4000 Central Florida Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32816-2700
(407) 882-3326
besaleh @ creol . ucf . edu

Physics Colloquium - Friday, January 24, 2014, 4:30, PSB 161

Dr. Samuel D. Bader

Argonne National Laboratory

Implications for Energy, Information and Medical Technologies

Spintronics encompasses the ever-evolving field of magnetic electronics.[1,2] Fields such as spintronics hold the potential to extend the information technology revolution as the semiconductor roadmap reaches its end. A major issue with present day electronics is in its demand for increased power. Spintronics offers the possibility to communicate via pure spin currents as opposed to electric charge currents. The talk provides a brief perspective of recent developments to switch magnetic moments by spin-polarized currents, electric fields and photonic fields Developments in the field of spintronics continue to be strongly dependent on the exploration and discovery of novel nanostructured materials and configurations. An array of exotic transport effects dependent on the interplay between spin and charge currents have been explored theoretically and experimentally in recent years. The talk highlights promising areas for future investigation, and, features recent work at Argonne, [3] including, most strikingly, in the realm of medical applications.[4]


1. S. D. Bader and S. S. P. Parkin, “Spintronics,” in Annual Reviews of Condensed Matter Physics 1, 71-88 (2010).
2. S. D. Bader, Rev. Mod. Phys. 78, 1-15 (2006).
3. Leyi Zhu, Yaohua Liu, F. S. Bergeret, J. E. Pearson, Suzanne G. E. te Velthuis, S. D. Bader and J. S. Jiang, Phys. Rev. Lett. 110, 177001 (2013)
4. Dong-Hyun Kim, Elena A. Rozhkova, Ilya V. Ulasov, S. D. Bader, Tijana Rajh, M. S. Lesniak, and V. Novosad, Nature Materials 9, 165-171 (2010).

Contact:  Pat Korosec 3-1543

FSI Seminar January 22, 2014

FSI SEMINAR

WEDNESDAY January 22, 2014

Speaker: Nicoleta Soroaica Hickman

Affiliation: FSEC / UCF

Day and Date: Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Time: 11:00 - 12:00

Location: Research Park

12354 Research Parkway

Partnership 1 Bldg. Suite 209
       

Orlando, FL 32826

 

Title Fully-Functional Space And Terrestrial Photovoltaic/Electrodynamic Shield (PV/ES) Hybrid System For Dust Mitigation

The dust deposit on sensitive and costly surfaces of investigative

equipment is a serious concern for future lunar and Martian missions.

Several methods have been surveyed to protect optical or photovoltaic

surfaces from the dust deposition threat but limiting condition of

lunar and Martian environment makes them either inefficient or

infeasible. Since there is no drag force on particles, and the magnetic

field is negligible, applying electrostatic field could be the best

approach for dust control.



The unique properties of ITO, Graphene and Carbon Nanotube (CNT)

combined with recent scientific advancements that make these materials

readily available allow development of smart surfaces on a small and

large scale that will benefit the power generation devices. Our

research groups from UCF and UF in collaboration with KSC have been

working on high and low voltage technologies like Electrodynamic Dust

Shield (EDS) and Electrostatic Lunar Dust Collector (ELDC) for future

lunar and Mars Missions.



The research team developed active and very efficient cleaning methods

based on ITO, Graphene and CNT materials requiring minimal cost,

weight, and power that repel and remove particulate buildup of surface

contaminants, e.g., dust and dirt, from solar panels used for the space

mission. The cleaning methods ensure that solar panels are operational

for longer periods of time and with lower power loss due to dust

obscuration.



For further information please the click below:

http://fsi.ucf.edu/seminars/

                        

Contact:

Ashley Kehoe / Josh Colwell

Department of Physics

Phone: 407-823-6306


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And check out our website at: http://fsi.ucf.edu/

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FSI’s Twitter:  ucfFSI

FSI’s Website: http://fsi.ucf.edu/

Seminar: "Confessions of a converted lecturer" by Eric Mazur 3.18.14/ 2:00pm-3:00pm/ HEC 101

“Confessions of a converted lecturer”

 

Eric Mazur

Harvard University

Area Dean of Applied Physics

Abstract:

I thought I was a good teacher until I discovered my students were just memorizing information rather than learning to understand the material. Who was to blame? The students? The material? I will explain how I came to the agonizing conclusion that the culprit was neither of these. It was my teaching that caused students to fail! I will show how I have adjusted my approach to teaching and how it has improved my students' performance significantly.

Biography:

Eric Mazur is the Balkanski Professor of Physics and Applied Physics at Harvard University and Dean of Applied Physics. He is a prominent physicist known for his contributions in nano photonics, an internationally recognized educational innovator, a sought-after lecturer, and successful entrepreneur. In education he is widely known for his work on Peer Instruction, an interactive teaching method aimed at engaging students in the classroom and beyond. Mazur has received many awards for his work in physics and in education and has founded several successful companies. Mazur is Chief Academic Advisor for Turning Technologies, a company developing interactive response systems for the education market. Dr. Mazur is author or co-author of 258 scientific publications and 23 patents. He has also written extensively on education and is the author of Peer Instruction: A User's Manual (Prentice Hall, 1997), a book that explains how to teach large lecture classes interactively. In 2006 he helped produce the award-winning DVD Interactive Teaching.

For additional information:

Dr. Bahaa E. A. Saleh

Dean & Director, Professor of Optics

407-882-3326

besaleh @ creol . ucf . edu

Miami Herald spotlights our Corridor and Gov. Scott’s support for university-private partnerships

Dear Florida High Tech Corridor Council partners and friends,

I am pleased to share with you a recent article published by the Miami Herald as part of its PolitiFact series that highlights Governor Scott’s support for university-private partnerships, specifically those modeled after the Florida High Tech Corridor Council.

For each year that he has been in office, PolitiFact has tracked Gov. Scott’s campaign promises, including his goal to “pursue additional programs such as FHTCC throughout the state.”  The Florida High Tech Corridor Council model has been studied in the past and more recently used as a model for university and economic development partners that launched Life Sciences South Florida two years ago.  The article notes that the effort is continuing to gain steam with multiple funding partners.

But most importantly, the article showcases the additional investment that the Legislature and Gov. Scott approved to fund our Matching Grants Research Program last year and this year.  That $2 million investment is being used by research faculty at the University of Florida to solve commercialization challenges for local high tech companies … challenges such as optimizing the performance of thermoelectric generators for unmanned aerial vehicles; and, enhancing sensor technology that wirelessly detects heartbeat, respiration and other vital signs.

The added funding for UF’s participation in our Matching Grants Research Program is sure to have a lasting impact on this region’s innovation economy, and I am grateful to see that supporting university-private partnerships is a priority championed by our governor, our state legislators, and most importantly, our Florida High Tech Corridor Council members and partners.  Thank you for your ongoing support.

Best regards,

Randy Berridge

Randy Berridge

President

Florida High Tech Corridor Council

Distinguished Seminar Series: "Nonlinear optics at the nanoscale" by Eric Mazur 3.18.14/11:00am-12:00pm/ CREOL Room 102

Distinguished Seminar Series: "Nonlinear optics at the nanoscale" by Eric Mazur

Tuesday, March 18, 2014 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
CREOL Room 102

Eric Mazur
Harvard University
Area Dean of Applied Physics

Abstract:

We explore nonlinear optical phenomena at the nanoscale by launching femtosecond laser pulses into long silica nanowires. Using evanescent coupling between wires we demonstrate a number of nanophotonic devices. At high intensity the nanowires produce a strong supercontinuum over short interaction lengths (less than 20 mm) and at a very low energy threshold (about 1 nJ), making them ideal sources of coherent white-light for nanophotonic applications. The spectral broadening reveals an optimal fiber diameter to enhance nonlinear effects with minimal dispersion. We also present a device that permits a number of all-optical logic operations with femtosecond laser pulses in the nanojoule range.

Biography:

Eric Mazur is the Balkanski Professor of Physics and Applied Physics at Harvard University and Dean of Applied Physics. He is a prominent physicist known for his contributions in nano photonics, an internationally recognized educational innovator, a sought-after lecturer, and successful entrepreneur. In education he is widely known for his work on Peer Instruction, an interactive teaching method aimed at engaging students in the classroom and beyond. Mazur has received many awards for his work in physics and in education and has founded several successful companies. Mazur is Chief Academic Advisor for Turning Technologies, a company developing interactive response systems for the education market. Dr. Mazur is author or co-author of 258 scientific publications and 23 patents. He has also written extensively on education and is the author of Peer Instruction: A User's Manual (Prentice Hall, 1997), a book that explains how to teach large lecture classes interactively. In 2006 he helped produce the award-winning DVD Interactive Teaching.

For additional information:

Dr. Bahaa E. A. Saleh

Dean & Director, Professor of Optics

407-882-3326

besaleh@creol.ucf.edu

TOMORROW! IEEE Photonics Society Seminar: "The High Value of the Entrepreneurial Skill" by Andrea Wesser 1.10.14/ 12:00-1:00pm/ CREOL 102

IEEE Photonics Society Seminar: "The High Value of the Entrepreneurial Skill" by Andrea Wesser

Friday, January 10, 2014 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
CREOL Room 102

Andrea Wesser
Associate Director, University of Central Florida, Office of Research & Commercialization

Abstract:

The road to success - and becoming the next Bill Gates - is certainly not easy. However, along the path of working for or running a start-up, there are many valuable skills to be picked up! After last month’s workshop with successful tech entrepreneur Dr. Simon Poole and this workshop, you will learn what skill sets make an entrepreneur, and how the entrepreneurial mindset will help you with your career, no matter what sector you are in. Also, learn more about how to become active in UCF’s growing entrepreneur ecosystem and what resources are available to help you succeed with your first start-up.

Biography:

Although trained as an engineer, Ms. Wesser’s chief responsibilities have been involved in technology economic development for the Southeastern US, state of Florida and the Central Florida region. She has assisted hundreds of entrepreneurs, research faculty and students over nearly ten years in starting technology companies, pursuing federal funding for R&D and generating revenues. Ms. Wesser also worked for several microtechnology focused start-ups, most notably a National Labs’ spin-out for state of the art batteries, Planar Energy Devices. While Product Line Manager, she lined up Fortune 1000 company and US military customers, won a R&D 100 and World Technology Award for the company, and participated in the development of their awarded $4M ARPA-E funding. In 2010, she was awarded a SBIR from the National Institutes of Health to develop an innovative wound care treatment and sensor device. The grant enabled her to launch her own start-up, PharmAcute, to design devices that treat geriatric, paraplegic, and other patients suffering from chronic pressure ulcers.

For additional information:

Alex Sincore

asincore @ knights . ucf . edu

CREOL Alumni Series: Jason Eichenholz 1.9.14/11:00am-12:00pm/ CREOL 102

OSA Student Chapter’s CREOL Alumni Series: Jason Eichenholz

Thursday, January 9, 2014 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
CREOL Room 102

Jason Eichenholz
Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Open Photonics Inc.

Abstract:

In the inaugural presentation of the CREOL Alumni Series hosted by the OSA Student Chapter, Jason Eichenholz will speak about his journey from graduate student at CREOL to CEO and Founder of Open Photonics Inc. His career spans top management positions at Ocean Optics, Newport and Spectra-Physics, and Halma PLC. Jason’s unique perspective on how to succeed and innovative in the photonics industry will provide valuable insight to CREOL students as they prepare to begin their own professional career. Jason will also share his thoughts on how to make one’s time at CREOL as productive and effective as possible.

Biography:

Jason is an Experienced Technology Development Executive, Technology Scout and Open Innovation Practitioner. He started OPI because he saw a chasm between garage inventors and academic researchers who wanted to see their work commercialized and companies looking for new ideas. Prior to starting OPI, he has served as Divisional Technology Director at Halma PLC, Chief Technology Officer for Ocean Optics, and Director of Strategic Marketing for Newport and Spectra-Physics.

Jason has been actively involved in laser and photonics research and product development for more than 20 years. He has written and delivered over 50 papers at conferences and in refereed journals and holds six US Patents on new types of solid-state lasers, displays and photonic devices. Jason is a Senior Member of both OSA and SPIE.

For additional information:

Tony Klee
President of OSA chapter
acklee @ creol . ucf . edu

Distinguished Seminar Series: "Diffractive optics for short wavelengths and short pulses" by Jürgen Jahns 2.17.14/11:00am-12:00pm/ CREOL 102

Distinguished Seminar Series: "Diffractive optics for short wavelengths and short pulses" by Jürgen Jahns

Monday, February 17, 2014 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
CREOL Room 102

 Jürgen Jahns

FernUniversitat in Hagen, Germany

Abstract:

Over the past 20 years, diffractive optics has developed from an area of active research to a mature field with numerous commerical applications. And yet, there exists still a potential for novel applications and thus interesting research topics. Here, I will discuss two topics: the first is imaging at EUV and X-ray wavelengths using diffractive lenses, the second is the spatio-temporal filtering of ultrashort pulses using diffractive optics.

Focusing and imaging of EUV and x-ray radiation (i.e., at wavelengths from approximately 0.1 - 100 nm) has many applications, for example, in astronomy and the life sciences. However, at these wavelengths, the use of conventional refractive lenses is not practical, since all materials are strongly absorbing and the values of the refractive index are very close to one. As an alternative to using refraction, a one may consider a diffractive implementation. Special diffractive lenses, such as the “photon sieve” and “azimuthally modulated Fresnel zone plate” have been demonstrated in recent years. Here, the concepts behind these elements will be described and a diffraction-theoretical analysis will be presented.

 The second topic to be addressed is the use of microoptical elements for the shaping and filtering of ultrashort optical pulses. Shaping in the spatial domain includes, for example, the generation of vortex beams. A diffractive implementation of a vortex beam is achieved by a so-called spiral axicon. Using diffraction, however, leads to strong chromatic dispersion which is a problem for ultrashort pulses. Here, a refractive-diffractive dispersion compensation is presented.

 Finally, we show the fabrication of a highly precise micro-retroreflector array by the LIGA technology and discuss the possibility of using it as a time-domain filter for femtosecond pulses.

Biography:

Jurgen Jahns got his diploma and doctorate in physics from the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany, in 1978 and 1982, respectively. He worked at Siemens, Munich, Germany, and at AT&T Bell Laboratories, Holmdel, New Jersey, before becoming full professor and chair of optical information technology at the FernUniversitat in Hagen, Germany, in 1994. He has co-authored more than 95 journal articles and several books on microoptics and photonics. Jahns is a Fellow of OSA and SPIE and a member of DGaO (German Society of Applied Optics), EOS, and IEEE.

For additional information:

Dr. Bahaa E. A. Saleh

Dean & Director, Professor of Optics

407-882-3326

besaleh @ creol . ucf . edu

Special Public Lecture by physicist Michael Marder

Dear All,

Happy New Year!

I wanted to bring to your attention a very Special Lecture that would be on interest.  It is by Michael Marder, UT Austin, whom some of you may know through his Condensed Matter physics book, others through his work in fracture and chaos, yet others through his establishment of the U-Teach program.  I have invited him to speak on Campus.  Michael Johnson and the provost have also been very supportive.  He will be meeting them as well as COS Chairs.  I hope you will  be able to hear him talk.

Talat

Physics Colloquium - Friday, January 10, 2014, 4:30, PSB 161

STM insights on single-molecule dynamics and kinetics

KarinaMorgenstern

Lehrstuhl für Phyiskalische Chemie I, NC 5/72
Ruhr-Universität Bochum
44801 Bochum

Scanning tunneling microscopes (STMs) open the fascinating possibility to investigate the specific properties of material on the nanoscale. The physics of nanostructures and the chemistry of single molecules is accessible. We employ this technique in order to understand the properties of nanostructures and their influence on the diffusion and reaction of molecules. For this aim, we investigate similar processes on both metallic surfaces and NaCl islands. In this presentation, I will discuss the thermal diffusion of small molecules, CO and water, and the electron induced isomerisation of a bistable dye molecule with respect to its usability as a molecular switch.

Contact:  Pat Korosec 3-1543

Distinguished Seminar Series: "Past, present, and future of THz science and technology" by X.-C. Zhang 1.14.14/11:00am-12:00pm/ CREOL Room 102

Distinguished Seminar Series: "Past, present, and future of THz science and technology" by X.-C. Zhang

Tuesday, January 14, 2014 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
CREOL Room 102

 X.-C. Zhang

The Institute of Optics, University of Rochester

Abstract:

Historically, THz technologies were mainly used within the astronomy community for searching far-infrared radiation (cosmic background), and the laser fusion community for the diagnostics of plasmas. Since the first demonstration of THz wave time-domain spectroscopy in the late 80’s, there has been a series of significant advances (particularly in recent years) on the development of intense sources and sensitive detectors.

THz photonics involves the interaction of intense femtosecond laser pulses with matters (solid, liquid, air, and plasma). I will review THz wave generation and detection techniques using air as emitter and sensor. Also, I will explore the remaining challenges and future opportunities for this rapidly evolving area of research that transcends the "gap" once existing between optics and electronics. I will also highlight their potentials.

Biography:

Dr. Xi-Cheng Zhang – Director and Parker Givens Chair at The Institute of Optics, University of Rochester. He is a Fellow of AAAS, APS, IEEE, and OSA. His recent awards include 2014 International Society of IRMMW-THz Button Prize; 2012 OSA William F. Meggers Award; 2011 IEEE Photonics Society William Streifer Scientific Achievement Award; and 2009 Rensselaer William H. Wiley Award. He holds several professorships in foreign countries, including Distinguished Professor at Huazhong University of Science and Technology (China), and Honorable Professor at Moscow University (Russia). Dr. Zhang has received 28 US patents, authored or co-authored over 300 refereed scientific papers. His h-index is 68, with 23,000 total citation. Dr. Zhang is the new Editor-in-Chief of OSA Optics Letters (2014-2016).

For additional information:

Dr. Bahaa E. A. Saleh

Dean & Director, Professor of Optics

besaleh @ creol . ucf . edu

Entrepreneur Seminar - January 10 at 12 pm in Room 102

The High Value of the Entrepreneurial

January 10, 2014 @ 12-1PM

CREOL 102

The road to success - and becoming the next Bill Gates - is certainly not easy. However, along the path of working for or running a start-up, there are many valuable skills to be picked up! After last month’s workshop with successful tech entrepreneur Dr. Simon Poole and this workshop, you will learn what skill sets make an entrepreneur, and how the entrepreneurial mindset will help you with your career, no matter what sector you are in. Also, learn more about how to become active in UCF’s growing entrepreneur 

Hosted by the Venture Accelerator

UCF Office of Research & 

Andrea Wesser
Associate Director, University of Central Florida, Office of Research & Commercialization
Although trained as an engineer, Ms. Wesser’s chief responsibilities have been involved in technology economic development for the Southeastern US, state of Florida and the Central Florida region. She has assisted hundreds of entrepreneurs, research faculty and students over nearly ten years in starting technology companies, pursuing federal funding for R&D and generating revenues. Ms. Wesser also worked for several microtechnology focused start-ups, most notably a National Labs’ spin-out for state of the art batteries, Planar Energy Devices. While Product Line Manager, she lined up Fortune 1000 company and US military customers, won a R&D 100 and World Technology Award for the company, and participated in the development of their awarded $4M ARPA-E funding. In 2010, she was awarded a SBIR from the National Institutes of Health to develop an innovative wound care treatment and sensor device. The grant enabled her to launch her own start-up, PharmAcute, to design devices that treat geriatric, paraplegic, and other patients suffering from chronic pressure ulcers.

Get to Know Photonics at UCF: Fiber Optics

Happy New Year!

Our next seminar in our Get To Know Photonics series is coming up!

Title:  Fiber Optics – Cable for Light:  How Does Light Carry Information

Presented by Dr. Axel Schulzgen

Fiber optical cable is one of the major inventions forming the foundation of photonics and make high speed communication possible.  Learn how fiber optic cables are made and how they are used to transmit information.  Includes a lab tour of the Fiber Draw Tower. Open to the public.

January 24, 2014, 3:00 – 4:00 pm, CREOL Room 103

RSVP to Mike McKee at undergrad @ creol . ucf . edu

Please share with others who may be interested.

Thanks

Mike

Mike McKee
Associate Director
Undergraduate Program