Photonics Initiative

Optics was chosen as one of the areas to support the Arizona Optics Industry Association (AOIA) http://www.aoia.org companies through research and development, workforce development, technology transfer and technology outreach.

Funding under the optics initiative has been divided into two areas promoting research and technology development; Photonics and Imaging.

The two primary goals of the Photonics Initiative are:

• Expand the educational opportunities for students in Optics, and Enhance the University's outreach to local industries and other educational institutions.

The Technology and Research Initiative Fund (TRIF) is a special investment in higher education made possible by the passage of Proposition 301 by Arizona voters in 2000. The TRIF portion of the proceeds from a six-tenths of a cent increase in state sales tax are administered by the Arizona Board of Regents and given to the state's public universities. At the University of Arizona, TRIF funds support creative research efforts in critical high-technology areas, translation of research results to clinical or commercial application, and education of a workforce prepared for the knowledge-based economy of the 21st Century. Funds also support specialized research facilities, enhancement of technology transfer, and distance-learning activities.

The program is multidisciplinary, with the College of Optical Sciences forming the core of the initiative. Through joint faculty appointments, cooperative research initiatives, and multidisciplinary outreach events, the optics college partners with the College of Science, the College of Engineering, and the College of Medicine to develop new technologies that will power the future of nearly every field of science and technology.

The impact of optics on the economy of the State of Arizona and the country as a whole in the coming years is staggering. The market for optics in communication, medical care, heavy industry, sensing and security, and military exceeds $200 billion per year.

Through the development of novel initiatives in optics education, research, workforce development, and industry outreach supported by this program the University will further enhance its international prominence in optics

Workshops

Industrial Affiliates Program Expo Marriott University Park Hotel Tucson, AZ

February 22,2006

The annual IAP Expo was held and was a great success. 22 industrial representatives were in attendance and..Read More

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International Conference on Advances in Optical Materials - Doubletree Hotel , Tucson,AZ

October 12-15

The First Conference on Advances in Optical Materials (AIOM) was organized and held with the support of TRIF faculty ... Read More

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Industrial Affiliates Program Expo Marriott University Park Hotel Tucson, AZ

 

February 22,2006

The annual IAP Expo was held and was a great success. 22 industrial representatives were in attendance and..Read More