by Shelby Kocurek
Daily Lobo
A professor in the UNM Center for High Technology Materials recently had the opportunity to speak at a White House conference on the growing field of photonic technology, bringing welcomed attention to the growing optical science field on campus.
Arthur Guenther was asked to present on his extensive knowledge in the field of optics and photonics, and the numerous applications it has in our society.
Guenther focused his speech on workforce initiatives with respect to the growing field. He stressed the need for beginning education of optics to accommodate for the growing industry.
"You must start educating now for the jobs that are going to come tomorrow," Guenther said.
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The conference was convened by the President's science adviser, Dr. Jack Marburger, and included key figures from business and government positions in the industry of optics and photonics.
The conference was held with the intention of producing a budget in order to further the growth of the technological field.
The National Research Council, Canada's premier science and technological research organization, defines optics and photonics as a field of science and engineering, encompassing the physical phenomenon and technologies associated with the generation, transmission, manipulation, detection and utilization of light.
Guenther said that optics have applications including fiber optics, manufacturing, defense and energy.
"But the power of optics is primarily enabling of other technologies," Guenther said. "For example, if it wasn't for fiber optics we wouldn't have the information highway."
Over the past 15 years UNM has awarded about 100 Ph.D.s in Optical Science in engineering. With the help of Guenther and other professors in the department, the University has started offering a master's program this fall as well.
Through recent innovations in the field, the Optical Science department has also been awarded a grant to begin planning for a bachelor's degree program as well.
Marek Osinski is helping Guenther develop the curriculum.
"The bachelor's program is the only missing link in the chain of optics," Osinski said.
Guenther said that when the program takes effect, UNM will be one in only about six universities to offer a degree program nationwide.
Guenther recently received the Optical Society of America's David Richardson Medal, which is awarded to an individual who has made significant contributions to the advancement of technical optics.
The award recognized Guenther's contributions and continued leadership in the study of laser-induced damage of optical materials and development of technical optics.
Guenther has served as chief scientist of the Air Force Weapons Laboratory and held a similar position at Los Alamos National Laboratory and at Sandia Labs. He has also been the science adviser to many governors, and was a key figure in the development of the New Mexico Optics Industry Association in 1998.
