Optics @ RIT
There is a vast array of optics-related activity at RIT. On this page you will find highlights and links to various educational programs and research activities within the domain of optics.
Optics News
Rochester Institute of Technology professor Grover Swartzlander has been appointed the incoming editor-in-chief of the Journal of the Optical Society of America B. full story>>>
The Journal of the Optical Society of America B emphasizes research on the fundamentals of the interaction of radiation with matter such as quantum optics, nonlinear optics, and laser physics. Topics include atom optics and cold atoms, metamaterials, nanophotonics, photonic crystals, spectroscopy, THz optics, ultrafast phenomena, and other related subjects.
Photons after Dark
Monthly informal seminar series with a vibrant community of students and faculty with interest and/or expertise in optics
Wednesday September 25, 2013
5:30-6:30pm Thomas F. Gosnell Hall: 08-1250
Dr. Emmett J. Ientilucci, Digital Imaging and Remote Sensing (DIRS) Laboratory, Rochester Institute of Technology
“Levering LiDAR Data to Aid in Material Identification in Aerial Imagery”
Abstract: In aerial remote sensing, the topic of material identification in hyperspectral imagery (i.e., images containing hundreds of spectral channels) is important. I will present a physics-based approach to model the sensor reaching radiance, given a material reflectance. Specifically, this talk demonstrates a method where information from the LiDAR data is used to constrain the physics-based model, thus leading to an improved material detection. This method of incorporating spatial information into the model has demonstrated significant improvement in the modeling of material-dependent radiance pixels.
Biography: Dr. Emmett Ientilucci is an assistant research professor in RIT’s Digital Imaging and Remote Sensing (DIRS) group. Prior to joining RIT, he was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow for the Intelligence Community. His recent research interests include the incorporation of physics based (target) modeling into structured hybrid hyperspectral sub-pixel detection algorithms. He is currently working on a text book entitled, “Radiometry and Radiation Propagation” with Oxford University Press.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
5:00-6:00pm Thomas F. Gosnell Hall: 08-1250
Prof. Curtis Broadbent, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Rochester
Single photon slow light: Quantum optics at a snail's pace
Abstract: I will introduce the concept and history of slow light and show how it can be easily understood using the Fourier decomposition of optical pulses. I'll then describe two experiments involving single (or a few) photons and slow light. In the first, a weak laser pulse is sent through a transmission mask and then slowed in a hot Rubidium vapor. It is then interfered with a delayed version of itself, demonstrating that optical images can be slowed. Then the pulse intensity is decreased so that the light is detected one photon at a time. It is shown that the image is preserved after the slow light medium even at very low light levels. In the second experiment, one member of an entangled photon pair is sent through a slow light medium. It is shown that the photons are still entangled after the slow light medium. As a result, I'll argue that slow-light can be considered viable and emerging technology for use in quantum optical applications.
Biography: Curtis Broadbent received his bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. His doctoral work was with John Howell in experimental quantum optics at the University of Rochester. Following his PhD., Curtis completed a two year postdoctoral stint in theoretical quantum optics in the group of Joe Eberly, also at the University of Rochester. Curtis is now an Assistant Professor Part-Time at, you guessed it, the University of Rochester. Currently, he splits his time between theoretical quantum optics with Prof. Eberly and experimental quantum optics with Prof. Howell. His research projects currently include continuous-variable Bell inequalities, bounds for multipartite entanglement, entropic quantum steering inequalities, and generating a single-photon phase shift in a Bose-Einstein-Condensate.
Wednesday January 30, 2013 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Thomas Gosnell Hall 08-A300
Dr. Edwin E. Hach, School of Physics and Astronomy, Rochester Institute of Technology
Quantum Optics with Ring Resonators: Theory
Abstract: Silicon nanophotonic structures, specifically waveguides coupled evanescently to ring resonators via directional couplers, seem to hold a great deal of promise as the “circuit elements” of a certain class of quantum information processing devices. It is important to the engineering of quantum information processors based upon this architecture to have a comprehensive quantum optical model of the dynamics of these structures, especially when driven at the one, two, and few photon level. In this talk I will present theoretical results that, even in their early stages, suggest exciting possibilities for the operation of scalable quantum information theoretic devices. I will also describe our ongoing efforts to design and develop these devices.
Biography: Ed Hach studied theoretical physics at the University of Arkansas and received his PhD degree in 2000. Following his PhD, he has held several visiting faculty positions in various time zones of the United States. Since 2006 he has been at RIT. He collaborates with the nanophotonics group at RIT, the quantum optics group at Lehman College, CUNY, and the quantum information group at the Air Force Research Lab in Rome, NY.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012 6:00-7:00pm
Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science-1125
Azure Hansen, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Rochester
Vortices in Bose-Einstein condensates
Abstract: Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs) allow researchers to study quantum mechanics on a macroscopic scale. In our lab, we engineer the wavefunction of a BEC using a coherent two-photon stimulated Raman interaction. This allows us to create complex non-equilibrium states with specific spin and orbital (vortex) angular momenta. Depending on the choice of wavefunction, we can study a wide range of phenomena, each connecting to a different field of physics. Our work both furthers fundamental understanding of spin-dependent symmetries and light-matter interactions, as well as extends applications of ultracold atomic physics to metrology and information. Here, we discuss vortices in BECs in the context of atom optics and singular optics.
Biography : Azure Hansen is a Physics PhD student in Prof. Nicholas Bigelow’s Cooling & Trapping Group at the University of Rochester. She completed her BS in Physics, with a minor in Optics, at Stony Brook University. As an undergraduate Azure did research on singular optics and BECs at Stony Brook, NIST, and the University of Rochester. After completing her PhD, she hopes to do a post-doc in ultracold atomic physics or quantum optics, and pursue a career in research with an emphasis in science outreach
Tuesday, October 23, 2012, 5:30-6:30pm, GOS-1200
Nick Vamivakas, Institute of Optics, University of Rochester
Quantum Optics with Quantum Dots: Spins & Photons
Abstract Optically active semiconductor quantum dots behave in many ways like an artificial atom. The ease with which they are incorporated into electro-optical devices makes them a promising system for future quantum technologies. In this talk I will present recent advances in the optical control of quantum dot spins as well as the coherent generation of single photons. Finally, I will discuss how we leverage resonant optical spectroscopy to operate the quantum dot as a sensitive probe of its environment.
Biography: Nick Vamivakas studied Electrical Engineering at Boston University and received his PhD degree in 2007. Following his PhD, he was a post-doc from 2007-2011 in the Cavendish Laboratory at the University of Cambridge. Nick joined the Institute of Optics in 2011 and currently is an Assistant Professor.
Some Optics-Related Programs Across RIT
Imaging Science B.S., M.S. Ph.D. www.cis.rit.edu/
Color Science M.S., Ph.D. www.cis.rit.edu/mcsl/
Physics B.S. www.rit.edu/cos/physics/
Astrophysical Science & Technology M.S., Ph.D. www.rit.edu/cos/astrophysics/
Materials Science & Engineering M.S. www.rit.edu/cos/cmse/
Microelectronics Engineering M.S. www.rit.edu/kgcoe/eme/
Microsystems, Ph.D. http://www.rit.edu/kgcoe/program/microsystems-engineering
Imaging & Photographic Technology B.S.
http://cias.rit.edu/schools/photographic-arts-sciences/undergraduate-imaging-photographic-technology
Motion Picture Science B.S. (formerly Digital Cinema)
http://cias.rit.edu/schools/film-animation/undergraduate-motion-picture-science
Biomedical Photographic Communications B.S. http://biomed.rit.edu/
Optics News
Obtaining spatial information from an extremely unresolved source
Prof. Grover Swartzlander published in the prestigious journal Optics Letters. Read more>>>
Sub-Rayleigh optical vortex coronagraphy
The paper appears in the rapid open access publication, Optics Express. Read more>>>
Quantum Optics Gives RITâs Physics Program a Big Edge
Course takes students on strange ride through quantum physics Read more >>>
Past Photons After Dark seminars
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Optical Signal Processing with Integrated TechnologiesRead more>>>
Dr. Donald B. Adams, Microsystems Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology -
Modern X-ray Science Read more>>>
Professor Michael S. Pierce, Department of Physics, Rochester Institute of Technology
- Reduced Power Consumption Optical Signal Processing
Prashant Baveja, Institute of Optics, University of Rochester Read more>>>
- Photodynamic therapy:light and molecules come together to fight cancer
Soumya Mitra, University of Rochester Medical Center Read more>>>
- Flying the Heavens on a Beam of Light Read more>>>
Professor Grover A. Swartzlander, Jr., Center for Imaging Science & Department of Physics
Rochester Institute of Technology