Robert M. Bunch

Temperature dependence of the Faraday rotation of Hoya FR-5 glass.

This paper reports measurements we have made of the Faraday rotation in terbium-doped Hoya FR-5 glass in pulsed magnetic fields of up to 200 kG at the He–Ne laser wavelength of 6328 A and at sample temperatures ranging from room temperature to 20 K. Our results show a huge increase in the Faraday rotation at low temperatures as well as a dramatic saturation in the rotation angle as the magnetic field increases. In addition, we have conducted measurements of the magnetic susceptibility of this material. Theoretical models explaining both the magnetization and the Faraday rotation give consistent results.

Effects of sampling and binarization in the output of the joint Fourier transform correlator

We discuss a number of anomalies that can result in the output of a joint Fourier transform correlator. Some of these are caused by the writing of the joint power spectrum onto a spatial light modulator having a grid structure. Others result from the binary recording of the joint power spectrum. These effects can cause spurious output cross-correlation peaks and can affect the strengths of the desired cross correlation peaks.

The Innovation Cycle: A New Model and Case Study for the Invention to Innovation Process

Abstract: A new cyclic model for innovation and product development is presented. The model expands upon current linear models and its structure provides insights for technology managers creating new strategies and operating philosophies. Current innovation models are linear and self-contained—all the pieces necessary to finish exist at the start and only time is required to sequentially proceed from one step to the next. The new model is cyclic in nature and includes both invention and innovation cycles with input from many sources. Recommendations developed for technology managers include evaluating their portfolio of technologies and projects to assess their position on the invention to innovation timeline and ensuring the appropriate resources are in place to support further progress. A case study of Rose-Hulman Ventures, innovative incubator/new product development center is also presented. The model, the recommendations and the case study will assist researchers in making decisions about new technologies to investigate, and will assist technology managers in evaluating candidate inventions for commercialization and determining the tactics to best bring them to markets.

Spatial image differentiation using programmable binary optical elements.

Spatial differentiation can be performed by imaging an input pattern with a binary optical element consisting of Fresnel lenses having identical focal lengths but different center locations. Each of these lenses forms an image of the object at a different transverse location in the image plane. If the two lenses have a phase shift of pi rad, the two images will be subtracted, resulting in an image that is differentiated in the direction of the shifted lens positions. We show experimental results in which the optical element is written onto a programmable magneto-optic spatial light modulator.

Layered polymeric optical systems using continuous coextrusion

Polymers are receiving considerable attention as components in novel optical systems because of the tailored functionality, ease of manufacturing, and relatively low cost. The processing of layered polymeric systems by coextrusion is a method to produce films comprising hundreds to thousands of alternating layers in a single, one-step roll-to-roll process. Several layered polymer optical systems have been fabricated by coextrusion, including gradient refractive index lenses, tunable refractive index elastomers, photonic crystals, and mechanically tunable photonic crystals. Layered polymeric optical systems made by coextrusion can also incorporate active components such as photoreactive additives for multilayered patterning and laser dyes for all-polymer laser systems. Coextrusion is a process which allows for the flexible design of polymeric optical systems using layers with thickness spanning the nanoscale to the microscale.

Beam Shaping System Based on Polymer Spherical Gradient Refractive Index Lenses

A two-element laser beam shaping system based on spherical gradient refractive index (GRIN) lenses has been designed utilizing the optical design package CODE V®. The impetus for this design is the recent development of large diameter (~ 20 mm) layered polymer spherical GRIN lenses that can be fabricated with arbitrary index of refraction profiles between 1.490 and 1.573. A merit function is developed that includes the index range constraint, radius of curvature and thickness fabrication constraints, and a mapping function which maps the Gaussian irradiance profile into a flat-top profile. The designed system features high transmission efficiency, with nearly 100% of the energy transferred to the output beam and a variance of less than 3% in uniformity from the center to the edge of the beam. The adaptability of the lens making process allows for an additional degree of freedom in beam shaping.

From optics to optical engineering: 20 years of optics education at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

The optics educational programs at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology have progressed and evolved over the past twenty years. Beginning with a modest undergraduate area minor in applied optics we now offer bachelors and masters degree programs in optical engineering. Distinctive elements of the current optical engineering programs including courses and curricula will be discussed.

Project-oriented laboratory courses in optics education

In this paper we discuss the implementation of a project oriented laboratory course in optics education. Through our discussion we show the relevance and necessity for such a course. The course is tailored not only to make the students to learn concepts, but to build a product from scratch to completion. Emphasis is also made on the design, performance, marketing and aesthetics of the product.

Optical fiber sensor experiments for the undergraduate physics laboratory

Two experiments, suitable for a 3‐h undergraduate laboratory period, employing optical fibers as position sensors are described. These two experiments are based on microbending losses in the fiber and on an external moving reflector, respectively. For each case a model that characterizes the behavior of the transmitted light output from the sensor is given. A knowledge of the model and subsequent analysis for each sensor provide natural experiments suitable for an undergraduate physics/optics laboratory.

Rethinking Optical Engineering Capstone Design Experience

We developed a three quarter capstone project course sequence for our ABET accredited optical engineering program. In the first course of the sequence we teach design methodology based on a mini-project done concurrently with lectures outlining the product development process. The mini-project is centered on the design of an imaging system. The kit used for this design project consists of a webcam, 20 lenses, and a collection of lens tubes and adaptors. Over the next two quarters the students choose from a selection of client-based projects, where the focus is on team work that culminates in a functional prototype.