Palomar Space Telescope in the News
“Lucky Camera” takes sharpest ever images of stars (and
it’s 50,000 times cheaper than Hubble)
The Lucky Imaging System (“Lucky”), developed by U.S. and
U.K. astronomers, uses a new adaptive optics system which is able to
take out much of the distortion from Earth’s atmosphere, in order
to produce 
some of the best digital images from ground telescopes.
In fact, the website of the Lucky Imaging team states, “In the
absence of the Earth's atmosphere, a telescope will produce sharp images
of stars. Our atmosphere degrades this image—small variations in
density on millisecond timescales cause the starlight to be deflected,
and the images become a bit fuzzy. By using a high-speed camera, and choosing
those images least affected by the atmosphere and combining them, we can
form a higher resolution image than just adding all the images together.”
When the astronomers attached the Lucky system to the PALMmar Adaptive
Optic (PALMAO) system, they found that its resolution was about twice
as good as with the Hubble Space Telescope. Without the Lucky camera attached,
the reflector telescope at Palomar
is, on average, about ten times less sharp and detailed as the Hubble
Space Telescope.
The images obtained so far are the “highest resolution direct images,
about 50 milliarcsec FWHM [full width at half maximum], ever obtained
either from the ground or from space in the visible at about twice the
resolution of the Hubble Space Telescope.”
The technique could now be used to improve much larger telescopes such
as those at the European Southern Observatory in Chile, or the Keck telescopes
in the top of Mauna Kea in Hawaii. This has the potential to produce even
sharper images.
“The images space telescopes produce are of extremely high quality
but they are limited to the size of the telescope,” said Dr. Craig
Mackay, from the Institute
of Astronomy at the University of Cambridge, who led the research.
“Our techniques can do very well when the telescope is bigger than
Hubble and has intrinsically better resolution.”
An optics professional visits the Palomar
Observatory during a visit in 2006
Statewide News
CUNY CAT AWARDS $111K FOR EQUIPMENT PURCHASES
In May 2007, the Center for Advanced Technology at the City University
of New York (CUNY CAT) inaugurated its Equipment Purchase Program, issuing
an RFP for equipment purchases. The purpose of the CUNY CAT Equipment
Purchase Program is to improve the scientific research infrastructure
throughout the CUNY system, in order to attract company-sponsored research
projects resulting in economic impact to New York State companies. The
RFP was open to faculty members throughout CUNY.
Nineteen proposals were received in response. The following awards have
beenannounced:
- $34,500 to Prof. Mark Arend, with Profs. Fred Moshary and Roger Dorsinville,
Department of Electrical Engineering, City College, for purchase of
a polarization maintaining fiber fusion splicer. Prof. Arend’s
research on Quantum Information Processing is sponsored by Corning,
Inc. (Corning, NY)
- $40,815 to Prof. David Crouse, Department of Electrical Engineering,
City College, for construction of a modular FTIR characterization system
and purchase of a HeCd laser. Prof. Crouse’s research on Semiconductor
Heterostructure Quantum Wires is sponsored by Phoebus Optoelectronics
LLC (Brooklyn, NY).
In order to more closely coordinate the efforts of administrative
staff and the CAT Director, the CUNY
CAT has established a satellite office at CUNY’s Queens College
effective Wednesday, August 15th, 2007. The mailing address for this new
CAT operations office will be:
CUNY Center for Advanced Technology in Photonics Applications
Queens College Razran Hall, Room 314
65-30 Kissena Boulevard
Flushing, NY 11367
- The new telephone numbers for the CUNYCAT are 718-997-4280 for the
general office and 718-997-4278 for the fax
- The new direct line for Alan Doctor, Deputy Director for Business
Development, is 718- 997-4279, and his new e-mail address is alan.doctor[at]qc.cuny.edu
- The direct line for Joseph Tomaras, Senior Administrator, is 718-997-4285,
and his e-mail address is joseph.tomaras[at]qc.cuny.edu. CAT Director
Harry D. Gafney may be reached directly at 718-997-4114, or via e-mail
at harry.gafney[at]qc.cuny.edu
The CAT continues to maintain an office at City College which will be
staffed by Ms. Yessika Zuniga, her telephone number is 212-650-8226 and
her email remains zuniga[at]soe.ccny.cuny.edu.
New Scale Adds Distributors
 New Scale Technologies has added distributors in the UK, Germany and
Italy for its patented piezoelectric SQUIGGLE motors. The new distributors
are SI Scientific Instruments GmbH (http://www.si-gmbh.de/) in Munich,
Germany; Orlin Technologies Ltd. (http://www.orlin.co.uk/) in Ridgmont,
Bedfordshire, England; and Optoprim SRL (http://www.optoprim.it/) in
Monza, Italy.
The new distributors join New Scale's pan-European representative, Cedrat
Technologies (http://www.cedrat.com/) in Meylan, France.
New Scale’s patented SQUIGGLE motor is the world’s smallest
linear motor. With very few parts and no gears, SQUIGGLE motors are smaller,
more precise, less expensive and more efficient than conventional electromagnetic
motors. SQUIGGLE motors also operate reliably in extreme environments
such as vacuum, cryogenic temperatures and high magnetic fields. Applications
include tiny 'focus and zoom' optics in mobile phone cameras and other
imagers; electronic locks and intelligent fasteners; nano-scale fluid
control including lab-on-a-chip systems; medical devices including miniature
drug pumps and endoscopes; automotive modules; lasers; aerospace and defense
systems; cryogenic and MRI-compatible instruments; and consumer electronics
including micro fuel cells.
Events
UVANY Rochester Capital Forum
Successfully Raising Venture Capital:
Tricks and Tips for Attracting and Closing
an Early VC Round
Tuesday, September 18
5:00PM - 9:00PM
RIT Inn & Conference Center
5257 West Henrieta Rd.
Henrietta, NY 14467
The event will feature an interactive panel discussion. Area entrepreneurs who have successfully raised venture capital will talk about their experiences and strategies for attracting and closing an early stage venture round. The panel will provide insights on how to prepare for an upcoming round, what investors look for, what pitfalls to avoid and how to identify the best investors for your business. The evening will also offer an opportunity to personally network with Upstate and NYC capital providers; legal and accounting firms; and others interested in venture and private equity transactions.
Shephard's 16th Annual Night Vision
Conference & Exhibition
Ronald Regan Building
Washington DC
October 30 - 31
- Technologies and Future Trends
- Commercial Applications
- Homeland Security Challenges
- Maritime Perspectives
- Law Enforcement and Maritime Operations
- Surveillance / Border Patrol Requirements
- Rapid Response Requirements
- Police Operations
- US Defence Perspectives
- Future Combat Systems
- Helicopter Perspectives
- Thermal IR for Drivers Vision
- Night Vision Training Challenges
More Information here
2007 International Photonics, Food, & Agriculture Conference
"Roadmap to Security and Production in the 21st Century"
Agribusiness as an industry presents significant problems and opportunities
that photonics, optoelectronics and microsystems-enabled technologies
hold the key to solving. To address these challenges, the Finger Lakes
New Knowledge Fusion Project, in conjunction with The International Photonics
Commercialization Alliance (IPCA), Cornell University, Infotonics Technology
Center, Inc., and the New York AgriDevelopment Corporation will be sponsoring
the 2007 International Photonics, Food, & Agriculture Conference:
Roadmap to Security
and Production in the 21st Century which will take place:
Friday, November 16, 2007, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
8:00am-4:30pm
Canandaigua Inn on the Lake
770 South Main St.
Canandaigua, NY 14424
Lasers & Photonics Marketplace Seminar
Including:
- Review and Forecast for Global Laser Markets
- Semiconductor Laser Market Review and Forecast
- World Markets for Industrial Lasers and Applications
- World Markets for Medical Lasers (or Biomedical Optics)
- Photonics: is the best yet to come?
- Ultrafast Technology Forum
- Opportunities for ultrafast lasers in materials processing
The Fairmont Hotel
170 South Market Street
San Jose, CA 95113
Phone: 408.998.1900
(Coinciding with Photonics West. Click here
for info.)
Frontiers in Optics 2007
16 - 20 September, 2007
San Jose, California
Conference
Photonics West 2008
19 - 24 January, 2008
San Jose, California
Conference
OFC/NFOEC 2008
February 24-28, 2008
San Diego Convention Center
Conference
Optatec 2008
17 - 20 June, 2008
Frankfurt, Germany
Conference
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9th Annual Glass Cartel Clambake
Annual Event Draws Optics Industry Professionals from New York State
and Beyond
Location:
Brook
Lea Country Club
891 Pixley Road
Rochester, NY 14624
tel: 585-247-3242
Thursday, September 27, 2007, 6:30 PM
Please RSVP by Sept. 18
$75/person
All payments must be made in advance, payable to Sydor Optics, 31 Jet
View Dr, Rochester, NY 14624. Please forward to the attention of Jude
Schnarr. (tel: 585-271-7300x105, fax: 585-271-7309) or Mike Naselaris
(585-271-7300x107). You may also contact Jude or Mike for information
about Hotel Accomodations.
Cash, checks or MasterCard/Visa accepted. Payments must be received by
Tuesday, September 18.
Please note: no payments taken at the door.
Funds for Connecting
RFP Seeks Ideas for Business Problem-Solving Together With Other Business
Leaders
Finger Lakes Wired is interested in connecting business leaders throughout
the nine-county Finger Lakes region in order to support collaboration
among businesses to assist in the solution to critical business issues
or the development of new products or services.
The organization has budgeted $100,000 to fund multiple initiatives
throughout the region for the period November 1, 2007 thru January 31,
2008. It is anticipated that several organizations will receive awards
within the $100,000 and that all efforts will be coordinated to impact
the region.
Go here to see
the RFP and details. There will be an informational session on Friday,
September 14, 2007, 1 - 2 p.m., Double Tree Hotel at 1111 Jefferson Road
near Route 390 in Henrietta (a Rochester suburb).
Have an idea how this might possibly help our industry? Want to discuss
it? Contact Tom Battley at 585-329-4029.
SBIR 07.3 Solicitation
A Little Time Still Left!
The DoD SBIR 2007.3 solicitation is open for proposal submission untill
6 a.m. EST September 19, 2007. Four DoD components -- the Department of
the Air Force, the Department of the Navy, the Missile Defense Agency
(MDA), and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) -- have R&D
topics in this solicitation under which Phase I proposals are sought.
The Solicitation, which contains detailed information on the parameters
of the SBIR program and how to submit a proposal, and Topics are available
at http://www.dodsbir.net/solicitation.
You may also search the topics by going to http://www.dodsbir.com/Topics.
Workforce Development
Even Stars Struggle – Recommendations for Hiring Managers
Once you’ve hired a new employee, the first 90 days are critical
in getting that employee up to speed and successful. Too many companies
use the “Prove Yourself” method, offering little feedback
and waiting to see if the new employee is as good as everyone thought.
Or they just assume that their new employee will understand the job expectations,
develop instant acceptance by co-workers, and assimilate into the company
culture.
Even a Star will struggle if the expectations are murky and the responsibilities
and relationships not well defined. This attitude of sink or swim many
times results in a new highly talented employee becoming disillusioned
or disconnected, or even worse, one who leaves after a short time. In
this candidate short market, the effort cannot end with finding the right
candidate and negotiating an acceptable compensation package. You already
have a significant investment in this employee, and to ensure a positive
ROI, you need to do everything possible to ensure their success and well-being.
As the Hiring Manager, the first 90 days should be focused on getting
the employee up to speed as quickly as possible and integrating them into
your team and company culture. This involves strong coaching, observation
and evaluation. Here are some things you can do to help ensure success:
- Develop a vision with the employee of what success will look like
(job accomplishments, relationship with co-workers, subordinates and
management, professional development, etc.)
- Clarify the expectations of the position. Make sure they are realistic
for a new employee and the employee understands them.
- Discuss how performance will be measured, and set the metrics.
- Set up a 90 day plan which involves weekly meetings to review progress,
discuss concerns (on both sides), and offer feedback/suggestions.
- Don’t micro-manage. Allow the employee to show good judgment,
make decisions and develop credibility with co-workers.
- Be approachable, don’t be obscure or aloof, or “too busy”
to listen.
- If you perceive the employee is having trouble fitting into the company
culture, discuss it with them. Listen and try to understand their comfort
zone, and make suggestions as to how they can adapt or assimilate.
- Observe the employee’s personality style. If they are having
trouble interacting with co-workers, offer different approaches and
suggestions. If the problems continue, as a last resort bring in a behavioral/personality
assessment consultant.
The time invested with a new employee in the first 90 days will pay back
many times over in the employee’s success, attitude, and longevity.
It makes all the difference when a new employee feels the company cares
about them, wants them to be successful, and is committed to assisting
in their development.
Rick Corey is President of Optics Professionals.
OpticsProfessionals
assists employers in staffing key talent, while helping individuals with
career transition and growth opportunities. Email him at rcorey[at]opticsprofessionals.com
Training Dollars
New Grants from Finger Lakes WIRED
Finger Lakes Wired announced
that it is allocating $350,000 to make more scholarships available to
businesses in the nine-county Finger Lakes region.
Businesses in the following industries may apply for up to $10,000 in
funding: Advanced Manufacturing, Alternative Energy, Bio/Life Sciences,
Business Services, Engineering, Food & Agriculture, Health Care (including
not-for-profit Health Care organizations), Information Technology, and
Optics/Imaging.
Training Dollars
#25-M ADVANCE-NY
Issued on March 7, 2007 by the New York State Department of Labor, #25-M
is DOL money intended to help you train your incumbent (existing) workforce.
A limit of $50,000 per year and a total lifetime limit of $100,000 per
company ($2,000 per course, per employee) makes this a great opportunity
for New York State companies looking to upgrade the skills of their existing
workforce.
Learn more about the opportunity here.
VC Corner
David vs. Goliath
One large company in Rochester did a fine job of extinguishing the entrepreneurial
culture of its employees for years. No one disputes it has squandered
its competitive advantages. It now employs less than one third of its
peak workforce and continues to struggle to find its direction.
Small companies, like most members of the optics community, don’t
have a vault of patents, a large cash flow to afford legions of patent
lawyers and management consultants, or global name recognition. Their
advantage resides in their ability to deliver tremendous service to their
clients and respond quickly to changes in the marketplace.
In order for small companies to survive and thrive in our “flat”
world, they need to encourage the entrepreneurial behavior of their employees
and avoid imposing stifling conditions that hinder the behavior that differentiates
them from large companies.
I taught entrepreneurship at RIT for a semester to career engineers
completing a masters program. Initially I was skeptical about teaching
entrepreneurship. How can you teach someone to “risk it all”
and “leap out of the plane without a parachute?” While preparing
for the course I reflected back to many years of experience with entrepreneurs
and was reminded that the typical personality trait is not one of a brazen
risk taker. Most are driven by a perceived market opportunity and a passion
to pursue it without interference.
Prior to the course, I spoke with the students to understand their reasons
for collectively electing to take entrepreneurship their final term. I
benefited from following one of my main dictums: know your customer. I
learned that they wanted to study what made start ups successful and glean
useful lessons that they could apply to their career advancement. A good
teacher learns from his students. I certainly did.
The basic lessons of entrepreneurship can be taught and infused into
an organization. Some of those lessons will be the theme of my next column.
It is critical for the Davids of the business world to understand that
a main competitive advantage they have over the Goliaths is their entrepreneurial
behavior.
Richard A. Glaser is a financial advisor at
a major securities firm. You can send him an email here.
Manufacturing Processes
RIT CIMS Offers Free Lean Intro
This overview session is designed to provide participants with a solid
foundation and equip them with the essential tools for a successful Lean
journey in their organization. Topics to be covered include: Principles
of Lean, Forms of Waste, Lean Tools, Cultural Changes, and a Q & A
Session. An overview of additional industrial services provided by CIMS
as well as opportunities for state and federal grant assistance will also
be provided. Click here for more info.
Contact RRPC
New York Photonics and the Rochester Regional Photonics
Cluster are active and growing collaborative organizations. Efforts are
under way on joint training events, workforce development, collaborative
advertising opportunities, promoting the commercialization of I.P., and
the development of our website to further facillitate business development.
Join us! There are advantages to working together, and
we are interested in working with you. Send an email to us at membership@rrpc-ny.org.
To subscribe, to unsubscribe, to submit a news item or upcoming event,
to suggest a feature or column, or to offer feedback, contact Tom
Battley, at 585-329-4029.
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