FARO Technologies – 9/13/13

Posted on September 10, 2013 by Aaron Bauer

faroOn Friday, September 13th, a representative from FARO Technologies will be present.  Please join us for a lunchtime session featuring a company presentation, product demos, and, of course, free pizza.  See below for more details.

Speaker:  Michelle C. Edwards
Title:  Optical Technology in Imaging and Portable Coordinate Metrology – Bringing the Real World to the Virtual World.
Abstract: FARO the world’s most trusted source for 3D measurement technology, develops and markets computer-aided measurement and imaging devices and software. Technology from FARO permits high-precision 3D measurement, imaging and comparison of parts and complex structures within production and quality assurance processes. The devices employ varied technologies, and are applied to compare real world parts to engineering design data in industries such as aerospace and automotive; The devices also capture the as-built state of objects and define them in the virtual world to allow for duplication, modification, or documentation of the data needed in industries. This session will present the technology, and allow opportunity for hands on experience with a laser tracker, laser scanner, and Scan arm.

Venue: Goergen 108
Date: 9/13/13
Time: Noon – 2 pm

Speaker Bio: Michelle Edwards is the Applications Engineering Manager for the Americas Region, at FARO Technologies Inc, the leading provider of 3D laser measurement tools.  Michelle has worked for FARO Technologies since 2003. She leads a team of 28 engineers, who are in the field supporting the firm’s clients, account managers and distributors in the sales, installation and training processes.  Michelle is also accountable for the recruitment of engineers for her team.    At FARO, Michelle has been a part of projects in support of customers including GE Energy, the US Army, NASA, Lockheed-Martin, Boeing, Hyundai and hundreds of other initiatives.   The type of projects have included  development of inspection routines, customization of training programs, and adapting new technology to enable modifications and upgrades of aircraft & vehicles onsite instead of transporting them.

Prior to joining FARO, Michelle was a business owner in the hospitality industry operating a franchised hotel and restaurant.  In her business, she led the initiative to ensure guests, corporations, and neighboring businesses all communicated to achieve the highest level of satisfaction for customers.

Michelle received a BS in Aerospace Engineering from the Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.  She lives with her husband and two children in Ormond Beach, FL.

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8/15 UR SPIE Summer Colloquium Series

Posted on August 12, 2013 by Aaron Bauer

On Thursday, August 15th, the UR SPIE student chapter will be concluding its annual Summer Colloquium series with a special doubleheader.

7767Speaker #1: Janghwan Bae
What:  Vacuoles: Visual Performance in Intraocular Lenses

Abstract:  In certain formulations of intraocular lenses, localized concentrations of water can accumulate over time with variable environment conditions. Since the index of refraction of water is significantly lower than that of the base polymer, the optical effects of these vacuoles can become visually significant. To assess the effect of vacuoles, the scattering behavior would be analyzed. And LightTools calculation is included. Experimentally, this effect can be seen with our scatterometer. As conclusion, the resolution of eye is not affected by vacuoles. But, there is the loss of light come up to retina. This can affect the visual contrast of human.

Briggs_PhotoSpeaker #2: Dennis Briggs
What:  Accurately Measuring the Dynamic Coefficient of Friction in UltraForm Finishing

Abstract: UltraForm Finishing (UFF) is a deterministic subaperture computer numerically controlled grinding and polishing platform designed by OptiPro Systems. UFF is used to grind and polish a variety of optics from simple spherical to fully freeform, and numerous materials from glasses to optical ceramics. The UFF system consists of an abrasive belt around a compliant wheel that rotates and contacts the part to remove material. This work aims to accurately measure the dynamic coefficient of friction (m), how it changes as a function of belt wear, and how this ultimately affects material removal rates. The coefficient of friction has been examined in terms of contact mechanics and Preston’s equation to determine accurate material removal rates. By accurately predicting changes in m, polishing iterations can be more accurately predicted, reducing the total number of iterations required to meet specifications. We have established an experimental apparatus that can accurately measure m by measuring triaxial forces under translating loading conditions. Using this system, we will demonstrate m measurements for UFF belts during different states of their lifecycle and assess the material removal function from spot diagrams as a function of wear. Ultimately, we will use this system for qualifying belt-wheel-material combinations to develop a spot-morphing model to better predict instantaneous material removal functions.

Date: 08/15/2013
Time: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Where: Sloan Auditorium (Goergen 101)

**Important** Pizza will be provided in addition to snacks and beverages.

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8/08 UR SPIE Summer Colloquium Series

Posted on August 5, 2013 by Aaron Bauer

Visconti_AnthonyOn Thursday, August 8th, the UR SPIE student chapter will be continuing its annual Summer Colloquium series.

Who: Anthony Visconti

What: Design and Fabrication of Large Diameter Radial Gradient-Index Lenses for Dual-Band Visible to Short-Wave Infrared Imaging Applications

Date: 08/08/2013

Time: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm

Where: Sloan Auditorium (Goergen 101)

Abstract: The lack of fabrication methods to produce large diameter (>20 mm) radial gradients has historically restricted their use in commercial optical systems. Ion exchange is a well-known process used in the chemical strengthening of glass and the fabrication of waveguide devices and small diameter (<4 mm) gradient-index (GRIN) optical relay systems. The technique is relatively straightforward to implement and therefore attractive for GRIN fabrication; however, the manufacturing of large-diameter radial gradients with ion exchange is limited by long diffusion times.

Materials research presented in this work aims to characterize the manufacturing process of a fast-diffusing titania silicate glass in both Li+ for Na+ and Na+ for Li+ ion exchanges. Manufacturing challenges associated with diffusion in titania silicate glass are addressed in order to extend its manufacturability to large diameter (15 – 20 mm) radial diffusions.

Additionally, a polychromatic GRIN design model is utilized to illustrate the potential usefulness of GRIN elements in dual-band visible to shortwave infrared (vis-SWIR) imaging applications. Color correction in the vis-SWIR using standard optical materials proves quite difficult especially over large temperature ranges. The benefits of radial GRIN elements in color correction of broadband vis-SWIR imaging applications stems from the unique dispersion properties of the material.

Bring your lunch!  Snacks and beverages will be provided.

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8/01 UR SPIE Summer Colloquium Series

Posted on July 30, 2013 by Aaron Bauer

imageWho: Dan Christensen

What: Application of Random Access Multiphoton (RAMP) Microscopy to Capillary-level Cerebral Blood Flow Imaging in Mice In Vivo

Date: 08/01/2013

Time: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm

Where: Sloan Auditorium (Goergen 101)

Abstract: It’s a bird, it’s a plane, no…it’s a mouse with half of its skull removed strapped to a translation stage! Come hear about how we’re measuring capillary-level blood flow in the brain and the microscope we developed to do it. It’s a familiar tale of joy intermixed with heartache, triumph laced with struggle, and long days accompanied by short nights. This gripping presentation will introduce you to the messy world of live-animal imaging and the optics and electronics we use to do it. Specifically, we have constructed a laser-scanning two-photon microscope employing acousto-optical deflectors (AODs) rather than traditional mirror galvanometers. This gives our microscope a temporal advantage over commercially available systems, allowing us to track individual red blood cells throughout multiple capillaries inside the brain simultaneously.

Bring your lunch!  Snacks and beverages will be provided.

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7/25 UR SPIE Summer Colloquium Series

Posted on July 23, 2013 by Aaron Bauer

33417_10150198994745459_552840_nOn Thursday, July 25th, the UR SPIE student chapter will be continuing its annual Summer Colloquium series.

Who: Dustin Shipp

What: Overcoming speckle in angular scattering measurements of single cells

Date: 07/25/2013

Time: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Where: Sloan Auditorium (Goergen 101)

Abstract: Angular scattering is used study sub-cellular structure including organelle sizes. However, organelle size estimates in single cells are often unstable due to speckle. Angular-domain scattering interferometry (ADSI) overcomes these speckle effects. ADSI recovers the full complex scattered field, which allows the application of virtual diffusers to reduce the intracellular coherence between different scatterers while leaving the signatures of individual scatterers relatively intact. By reducing the coherence between scatterers, ADSI reduces the effects of speckle and obtains stable organelle size estimates from single cells.

Bring your lunch!  Snacks and beverages will be provided.

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7/18 UR SPIE Summer Colloquium Series

Posted on July 15, 2013 by Aaron Bauer

Bio_shotOn Thursday, July 18th, the UR SPIE student chapter will be continuing its annual Summer Colloquium series.

Who: Etana Elegbe

What: Development of Single Tracking Location Acoustic Radiation Force Imaging (STL-ARFI) for the Assessment of Liver Fibrosis Progression

Date: 07/18/2013

Time: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm

Where: Sloan Auditorium (Goergen 101)

As a consequence of the liver’s great ability to increase its level of operation in response to the demands of an injury, there is often a significant latent period between the onset of the disease and the clinical symptomsexcept in the case of fulminant hepatic failure. At this point however, the disease is usually at an advanced stage and the damage is substantial. Progressive liver fibrosis is a common feature in the majority of chronic liver
disease cases. Therefore, liver fibrosis stage is considered to be of great prognostic value in the assessment of liver disease.
Several studies have shown that there is a connection between the liver tissue mechanical properties and liver fibrosis. Single Tracking Location Acoustic Radiation Force Imaging (STL ARFI) is an elastographic method that estimates shear wave speed, and thus shear modulus, by inducing shear waves in the tissue and tracking its propagation through the region of interest. STL ARFI uses a single tracking line and consequently suppresses
speckle-induced biases in the estimates of shear modulus. I will discuss STL ARFI as an elastographic technique and show some data demonstrating the feasibility of STL ARFI as a tool in the staging of liver fibrosis in vivo.

Bring your lunch!  Snacks and beverages will be provided.

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7/11 UR SPIE Summer Colloquium Speaker Announcement

Posted on July 8, 2013 by Aaron Bauer

shekhar On Thursday, July 11th, the UR SPIE student chapter will be continuing its annual Summer Colloquium series.

Who: Himanshu Shekhar

What: The temporal evolution of nonlinear emissions from ultrasound contrast agents:  implications for imaging and therapy.

Date: 07/11/2013

Time: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm

Where: Sloan Auditorium (Goergen 101)

Encapsulated microbubbles are routinely used clinically as ultrasound contrast agents (UCA). Currently, UCAs are under investigation for several diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Ultrasound contrast agents undergo volumetric oscillations in response to ultrasonic excitation. Their nonlinear oscillations are critical for imaging and therapeutic applications; therefore, it should be characterized accurately. In this talk, I will discuss our recent findings regarding changes in the nonlinear response of UCA over timescales that are relevant for imaging and therapy.

Bring your lunch!  Snacks and beverages will be provided.

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7/1 Summer Colloquium Speaker Announcement

Posted on June 27, 2013 by Aaron Bauer
x98_y_c0f818_2011_02On Monday, July 1st, the UR SPIE student chapter will be continuing its annual Summer Colloquium series with a special speaker.

Who: Ivo Ihrke

What: Computational Optical Measurement and Display
Date: 07/01/2013

Time: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm

Where: Sloan Auditorium (Goergen 101)

Abstract:  Advances in imaging technology have to a large extent shaped
scientific progress in the last 200 years. While progress in imaging
technology originated in, and forced the development of, the field of
optics, the design paradigm for optical instruments has always placed
the human observer at the center of its efforts. With the advent of
electronic computation in the second half of the 20th century, optical
design could be elevated to a new level by exploiting computer-aided
design and automated optimization procedures.

However, only in recent years have computers become so powerful, and
at the same time so small and inexpensive, that imaging technology,
storage and transmission have become completely digitized. This move
has not yet reached its full potential since the human observer is
still considered the target of optimization, whereas in fact, today’s
primary observers are computers. It is this insight that enables a new
approach to optics and measurement instrumentation. Images no longer
have to mimic what the human brain is accustomed to interpret as an
image of the world, i.e. integrals over ray bundles of a restricted
subset of the electro-magnetic spectrum. Instead, sensing mechanisms
can be designed that re-distribute directional, spatial, temporal and
wavelength information to essentially agnostic sensor elements serving
as simple photon collectors.

The questions of how such redistribution can be arranged for, which
performance characteristics are to be expected of such devices, and
how these novel sensing means can be used for measurement purposes
form the basis of my research. I will discuss several example
applications and outline future developments that I think will be
neccessary for further progress.

Bring your lunch!  Snacks and beverages will be provided.

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6/27 Summer Colloquium Speaker Announcement

Posted on June 21, 2013 by Aaron Bauer
CHOI7_2On Thursday June 27th, your very own UR SPIE student chapter will be kicking off its annual Summer Colloquium series.
Who: Joseph Choi
What: Limitations of a superchiral field
Date: 6/27/2013
Time: 11:30am – 12:30pm
Where: Sloan Auditorium (Goergen 101)
BONUS!!!! In honor of the this being the first SPIE Summer colloquium of the year, pizza will be provided in addition to other snacks and refreshments!
Abstract:  Recently, Tang and Cohen [ Y. Tang and A. E. Cohen Science 332 333 (2011)] proposed and demonstrated the use of “superchiral” electromagnetic fields to enhance optical enantioselectivity. Their work generated much excitement as enantioselective signals are typically quite small, and it appeared that the enhancement factor could be extremely large. In this paper we explicitly show the limitations of such fields by including the magnetic susceptibility term. This term is small and is ignored in most cases compared to the electric polarizability term. However, for the fields used, the enhancement was obtained at the electric field energy node. Due to conservation of field energy, the magnetic field energy is then maximum, and the magnetic susceptibility contribution can no longer be ignored. This then is what limits the enhancement of the optical enantioselectivity. For a counterpropagating left- and right-circularly polarized light field, as used in the aforementioned experiment, we show that this fundamentally limits the enhancement to one or two orders of magnitude in general, determined by the ratio of the magnetic susceptibility to the electric polarizability of the material used. We also generalize the dissymmetry factor to include optical rotation effects present in chiral media, as opposed to fields being in vacuum. In the process, we generalize Lipkin’s “Z000 zilch” (or “optical chirality”) to that for a linear medium. This generalization shows that chirality of the material cannot be completely separated from chirality of the field and that opposite enantiomers are symmetric in terms of the dissymmetry factor enhancement. Finally, an analogy between ellipsometric chiroptical signal enhancement and enhanced optical enantioselectivity using a standing wave chiral field is discussed. Our analysis and generalization can be used as a guide for future searches of locally enhanced chiral fields.
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Call for speakers – UR SPIE Summer Colloquium

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Aaron Bauer
Do you do research involving light?  Do you get excited about it?  Do you stay up at night thinking about your research?  Do you want to tell others about your research?  Do you wish I’d stop asking you questions?  If you answered yes to any of those questions, then keep reading.
On Thursdays from Noon-1pm, during the months of June, July, and August, UR SPIE will be hosting a weekly Summer Colloquium during which 1-2 students can present their research to a group of their peers.  But, in order for this to happen, we need commitments from speakers.
The format of this summer’s talks will be as follows:
  1. Alternating weeks of one long talk (~30-45 min) and two short talks (~20 min)
  2. You can talk about research you have completed, research you are currently working on, or research you plan to do in the future.  We do not want to limit these talks to only mature research.  If you have a problem and would like to an audience to talk about it to, this can be your forum.
What’s in it for you, as speakers?  Well, I’m glad you asked.  Not only will it give you valuable experience giving a presentation in front of an audience, but you will be handsomely rewarded with the insights and suggestions from a room full of bright young minds (and maybe a few old minds, too).  And if that isn’t enough, $50 prizes will be awarded to our top two speakers, with the two runner-ups receiving an SPIE field guide.
If that all sounds pretty darn good, reply to urspie@gmail.com with a few things:
  1. Your preferred dates to give your talk (between June 20 - August 15)
  2. The topic you will be talking about (preferably a title)
  3. Whether it will be a long talk or a short talk
We look forward to hearing from you!
weneedyou
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