Optics and Photonics Lab
Optics News
01-17-13 Using HERCULES to probe the interior of dense plasmas
For the first time, researchers probed the interior of highly dense plasmas using the world's most intense tabletop laser called HERCULES, located in the Center for Ultrafast Optical Science (CUOS). Scientists are now able to study very dense plasmas, which has important implications for nuclear fusion energy and astrophysical research.For the first time, researchers probed the interior of highly dense plasmas using the world's most intense tabletop laser called HERCULES, located in the Center for Ultrafast Optical Science (CUOS). Scientists are now able to study very dense plasmas, which has important implications for nuclear fusion energy and astrophysical research. [More Info]
01-09-13 Arbor Photonics acquired by nLIGHT
Arbor Photonics, co-founded in 2007 by Prof. Almantas Galvanauskas, was recently acquired by nLIGHT, a semiconductor laser maker. Prof. Galvanauskas, who will be on their technical board, "pioneered the development of a proprietary technology it calls Chirally-Coupled Core (3C)." The technology "is said to enable state-of-the-art high-power fiber lasers with peak powers of up to 100 kW." [Optics.org article]Arbor Photonics, co-founded in 2007 by Prof. Almantas Galvanauskas, was recently acquired by nLIGHT, a semiconductor laser maker. Prof. Galvanauskas, who will be on their technical board, "pioneered the development of a proprietary technology it calls Chirally-Coupled Core (3C)." The technology "is said to enable state-of-the-art high-power fiber lasers with peak powers of up to 100 kW." [Optics.org article] [More Info]
12-05-12 Most exciting optics research in the past year
Prof. Tal Carmon and his group showed that light can be used to cool objects at the range between atomic and device scale through spontaneous brillouin cooling. This surprising discovery has been recognized as among the most exciting peer-reviewed optics research of the past year by Optics and Photonics News. See the summary in the December issue, and the U-M Press Release describing the work.
03-13-12 A new way to cool materials with light
New research that has come out of Prof. Tal Carmon's research group provides the first experimental evidence of an acoustical density wave in a solid using Brillouin scattering. This research overturns scientists understanding of how light and sound interact in the process called Brillouin scattering.New research that has come out of Prof. Tal Carmon's research group provides the first experimental evidence of an acoustical density wave in a solid using Brillouin scattering. This research overturns scientists understanding of how light and sound interact in the process called Brillouin scattering. [More Info]
11-30-11 A smarter way to make ultraviolet light beams
ECE faculty Mona Jarrahi and Tal Carmon, and graduate students Jeremy Moore and Matthew Tomes have found a better way to build a compact ultraviolet light source with low power consumption that could improve information storage, microscopy and chemical analysis.ECE faculty Mona Jarrahi and Tal Carmon, and graduate students Jeremy Moore and Matthew Tomes have found a better way to build a compact ultraviolet light source with low power consumption that could improve information storage, microscopy and chemical analysis. [More Info]
11-22-11 Celebrating the Birth of a New Science
On October 26, 2011, close to 500 participants packed the Michigan League Ballroom for a symposium celebrating the 50th anniversary of the birth of Nonlinear Optics. Applications of nonlinear optics range from fiber-optic communications to biological imaging and homeland security.On October 26, 2011, close to 500 participants packed the Michigan League Ballroom for a symposium celebrating the 50th anniversary of the birth of Nonlinear Optics. Applications of nonlinear optics range from fiber-optic communications to biological imaging and homeland security. [More Info]
09-29-11 Heather Ferguson Awarded NSF Graduate Research Fellowship
Heather is a first year electrical engineering graduate student, and plans to conduct research in the area of optical science.Heather is a first year electrical engineering graduate student, and plans to conduct research in the area of optical science. [More Info]
09-09-11 New NSF Center for Photonic and Multiscale Nanomaterials
Prof. Ted Norris will direct the new $13M Center that will develop high-tech materials that manipulate light in new ways, leading to advances in invisibility cloaks, nanoscale lasers, efficient lighting, and quantum computers.Prof. Ted Norris will direct the new $13M Center that will develop high-tech materials that manipulate light in new ways, leading to advances in invisibility cloaks, nanoscale lasers, efficient lighting, and quantum computers. [More Info]
08-30-11 New laser could treat acne with telecom technology
A laser developed by Prof. Mohammed Islam is designed to melt fat without burning surrounding tissue. It could potentially be used to treat acne.A laser developed by Prof. Mohammed Islam is designed to melt fat without burning surrounding tissue. It could potentially be used to treat acne. [More Info]
08-11-11 Nonlinear Optics at 50: A Symposium
As the birthplace of nonlinear optics, Michigan is proud to host a one-day symposium on October 26th which will bring together some of the pioneers in the field and showcase the current state of the art in nonlinear optics.As the birthplace of nonlinear optics, Michigan is proud to host a one-day symposium on October 26th which will bring together some of the pioneers in the field and showcase the current state of the art in nonlinear optics. [More Info]
07-26-11 Carmon: Nature Communications - Stimulated optomechanical excitation of surface acoustic waves in a microdevice
[More Info]
07-21-11 Rand: Green Tech World - University of Michigan Researchers Create Solar Power without Solar Cells
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04-14-11 Solar power without solar cells: A hidden magnetic effect of light could make it possible
A dramatic and surprising magnetic effect of light discovered by Prof. Stephen Rand's group could lead to solar power without traditional semiconductor-based solar cells.A dramatic and surprising magnetic effect of light discovered by Prof. Stephen Rand's group could lead to solar power without traditional semiconductor-based solar cells. [More Info]
04-07-11 Prof. Grbic Receives USNC/URSI Booker Fellowship
This triennial award is presented to a U.S. scientist for outstanding contributions to radio science by the U.S Nat. Committee for the Int. Union of Radio Science.This triennial award is presented to a U.S. scientist for outstanding contributions to radio science by the U.S Nat. Committee for the Int. Union of Radio Science. [More Info]
03-08-11 Engineers rebuilding Liberias universities and infrastructure
USAID is funding a 5 yr, $18.5M effort to rebuild Liberia after 15 years of civil war. Leading the engineering effort at U-M is Prof. Herb Winful.USAID is funding a 5 yr, $18.5M effort to rebuild Liberia after 15 years of civil war. Leading the engineering effort at U-M is Prof. Herb Winful. [More Info]
03-07-11 Galvanauskas: Crains Detroit Business - Arbor Photonics seeks spinoff success with more powerful lasers
[More Info]
03-07-11 Winful: RTI Int - RTI International to Strengthen Liberian Workforce Through New Project in Higher Education
[More Info]
03-01-11 Ted Norris Honored with Distinguished Graduate Mentor Award
Prof. Ted Norris, Director of CUOS and the Optics and Photonics Lab, received this honor for sustained efforts sustained efforts as advisor, teacher, advocate, sponsor, and role model to doctoral students.Prof. Ted Norris, Director of CUOS and the Optics and Photonics Lab, received this honor for sustained efforts sustained efforts as advisor, teacher, advocate, sponsor, and role model to doctoral students. [More Info]
12-10-10 Nees-Mourou: Popular Science - Making Something From Nothing: Researchers Find That Matter Can Be Conjured from a Vacuum
[More Info]
12-09-10 Theoretical breakthrough: Generating matter and antimatter from the vacuum
The HERCULES laser in the Center for Ultrafast Optical Science will help test the mathematically proven theory developed by Dr. Igor Sokolov, with John Nees, Natalia Naumova, and Prof. Emeritus Gerard Mourou that matter can be created out of nothing. [Press Release]
10-25-10 Islam: Scientific American - Laser Tag
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10-25-10 Norris: Nature Photonics - Ultrafast Rabi flopping and coherent pulse propagation in a quantum cascade laser
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09-07-10 Islam: Wired - Army Turns to Lasers for Copter Defense
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09-07-10 Islam: Scientific American - Lased and Confused: Off-the-Shelf Infrared Lasers Could Ward Off Missile Attacks on Military Helicopters
[More Info]
09-01-10 Laser-based missile defense for helicopters
Mohammed Islam and his company, Omni Sciences, are developing mid-infrared supercontinuum lasers to protect helicopters in combat, among other applications.Mohammed Islam and his company, Omni Sciences, are developing mid-infrared supercontinuum lasers to protect helicopters in combat, among other applications. [More Info]
07-01-10 Holography and the Laser
An article in the July, 8, 2010 issue of Optics & Photonics News describes the critical role played by Emmett Leith and Juris Upatnieks (shown left)at U-M's Willow Run Laboratory in the development of modern holography, as well as the role of technology, in the form of lasers, to its ultimate success.An article in the July, 8, 2010 issue of Optics & Photonics News describes the critical role played by Emmett Leith and Juris Upatnieks (shown left)at U-M's Willow Run Laboratory in the development of modern holography, as well as the role of technology, in the form of lasers, to its ultimate success. [More Info]
06-29-10 Lectures on Light: New Book by Prof. Steve Rand
This new book by Prof. Rand, "Lectures on Light: Nonlinear and Quantum Optics using the Density Matrix," attempts to bridge the gap between introductory quantum mechanics and the research front of modern optics and scientific fields that make use of light.This new book by Prof. Rand, "Lectures on Light: Nonlinear and Quantum Optics using the Density Matrix," attempts to bridge the gap between introductory quantum mechanics and the research front of modern optics and scientific fields that make use of light. [More Info]
06-25-10 Forrest: Nature Photonics-Room-temperature polariton lasing
[More Info]
06-22-10 Organic Laser Breakthrough
Prof. Stephen Forrest achieves long-sought-after optics phenomenon that could lead to more efficient and flexible lasers for telecommunications and quantum computing applications.Prof. Stephen Forrest achieves long-sought-after optics phenomenon that could lead to more efficient and flexible lasers for telecommunications and quantum computing applications. [More Info]
06-03-10 WIMS-CUOS: WWJ 950 - Four U-M Projects Named to NSF 'Sensational 60' List
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06-03-10 WIMS and CUOS Among 60 Years of Sensational Research by NSF
The research that came out of the Center for Wireless Integrated Microsystems and the Center for Ultrafast Optical Science have been recognized in the recent National Science Foundation publication, NSF Sensational 60.The research that came out of the Center for Wireless Integrated Microsystems and the Center for Ultrafast Optical Science have been recognized in the recent National Science Foundation publication, NSF Sensational 60. [More Info]
05-25-10 Carmon: Science - Putting Light's Touch to Work as Optics Meets Mechanics
[More Info]
05-11-10 Eric Tkacyk Named Fulbright Fellow and Whitaker Scholar
Eric Tkaczyk has been awarded two prestigious fellowships to develop a portable and affordable cataract assessment technology in Estonia.Eric Tkaczyk has been awarded two prestigious fellowships to develop a portable and affordable cataract assessment technology in Estonia. [More Info]
04-17-10 Matt Tomes Receives NSF Fellowship for Research in Optics
Matthew Tomes, graduate student in the Electrical Engineering program, received a prestigious NSF Graduate Research Fellowship for his research in Brillouin MEMS.Matthew Tomes, graduate student in the Electrical Engineering program, received a prestigious NSF Graduate Research Fellowship for his research in Brillouin MEMS. [More Info]
02-26-10 Duncan Steel Honored with Graduate Student Mentor Award
Duncan Steel, Robert J. Hiller Professor, received a 2010 Rackham Distinguished Graduate Mentor Award for his efforts as advisor, teacher, advocate, sponsor, and role model to doctoral students.Duncan Steel, Robert J. Hiller Professor, received a 2010 Rackham Distinguished Graduate Mentor Award for his efforts as advisor, teacher, advocate, sponsor, and role model to doctoral students. [More Info]
11-24-09 Tal Carmon Receives Young Investigator Award for Research in Lasers and Optics
Prof. Carmon received a prestigious AFOSR YIP award for his research project entitled, "Continuous On-Chip Extreme UV Emitter."Prof. Carmon received a prestigious AFOSR YIP award for his research project entitled, "Continuous On-Chip Extreme UV Emitter." [More Info]
11-12-09 Duncan Steel will Advance Quantum Information Processes in New MURI
The work of Duncan Steel, Robert J. Hiller Professor of Engineering, may lead to a reconfigurable quantum optical circuit to connect different quantum platforms.The work of Duncan Steel, Robert J. Hiller Professor of Engineering, may lead to a reconfigurable quantum optical circuit to connect different quantum platforms. [More Info]
10-06-09 Prof. Duncan Steel Awarded 2010 APS Frank Isakson Prize
"For seminal contributions to nonlinear optical spectroscopy and coherent control of semiconductor heterostructures.""For seminal contributions to nonlinear optical spectroscopy and coherent control of semiconductor heterostructures." [More Info]
09-10-09 Steel: Michigan scientists working on super-fast, secure computing
[More Info]
07-08-09 Lasers can lengthen quantum bit memory by 1,000 times
Through an unexpected discovery, Prof. Duncan Steel and collaborators on the research say their work proves that one of the major hurdles to quantum computers that was previously thought to be a show-stopper, isn't one.Through an unexpected discovery, Prof. Duncan Steel and collaborators on the research say their work proves that one of the major hurdles to quantum computers that was previously thought to be a show-stopper, isn't one. [More Info]
05-12-09 UARTS 250 (Creative Process): One of the University's Most Intriguing Classes
A new course is emphasizing the creative process found in Art, Architecture, Engineering and Music, all found on North Campus at the University of Michigan. Read Prof. Winful's tips for the creative engineer.A new course is emphasizing the creative process found in Art, Architecture, Engineering and Music, all found on North Campus at the University of Michigan. Read Prof. Winful's tips for the creative engineer. [More Info]
12-01-08 Quantum computing breakthrough (Duncan Steel)
[More Info]
08-29-08 Fast quantum computer building block created
Through the use of lasers, Prof. Duncan Steel and colleagues have demonstrated the fastest quantum computer bit that exploits the main advantage of the qubit over the conventional bit. Results will be reported in Nature Physics. [Nature Physics online]Through the use of lasers, Prof. Duncan Steel and colleagues have demonstrated the fastest quantum computer bit that exploits the main advantage of the qubit over the conventional bit. Results will be reported in Nature Physics. [Nature Physics online] [More Info]
02-18-08 High-tech device uses rays to unveil hidden artwork
A form of radiation called "T-rays" may help uncover murals hidden beneath coats of plaster or paint in old buildings, say engineering researchers in the Center for Ultrafast Optical Science. [U-M Press Release]
02-18-08 Michigan laser beam believed to set record for intensity
HERCULES, a titanium-sapphire laser that takes up several rooms at the Center for Ultrafast Optical Science, reaches new record-setting beam measuring 20 billion trillion watts per square centimeter. [U-M Press Release]
[Read more in Nature News and Laser Focus World]
12-06-07 Karl Krushelnick Named Fellow of American Physical Society
Prof. Karl Krushelnick, professor of Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences, and EECS, was named a Fellow of the American Physical Society. [Read more...]
11-27-07 U-M Invests in EECS startup: Arbor Photonics
Arbor Photonics is a company that possesses a stellar team built around a disruptive, proprietary technology that meets a clear market need, said Thomas Porter, director of the student-managed venture capital fund that recently invested in the company. Professor of Optics and Arbor Photonics' chief science officer Almantas Galvanauskas developed a novel scalable optical fiber technology that promises to supplant more expensive and bulkier laser systems. [U-M Press Release]
11-15-07 Nicole Campbell Named 2007 National GEM Consortium Most Promising Ph.D. Fellow
Nicole Campbell, the 2007 Radiation and Climate Carl Storm Research Fellow, has recently been named the 2007 National GEM Consortium Most Promising Ph.D. Fellow. Working with Prof. Mahta Moghaddam, Ms. Campbell is conducting research on a Foliage Camouflage Target(F-CaT)Identification model. The award is based on this research, as well as her climate physics research conducted at Pacific Northwest National Labs. [Read more...]
08-21-07 Breakthrough in Quantum Computing
Prof. Duncan Steel, the Robert J. Hiller Professor of Engineering, describes a breakthrough on the road to achieving quantum computing in Science . These optically driven quantum computers are being developed to create encryption codes that would be impenetrable by classical computers. The Science article is titled "Coherent Optical Spectroscopy of a Strongly Driven Quantum Dot."
[U-M Press Release] [EE Times Article]