A Welcome Message from
Thomas L. Koch, Dean
 The
College of Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona is the world’s
premier optical institute, with outstanding faculty members, an
international student body, a challenging curriculum, pioneering
research programs and close relationships with the optics industry.
Optics today continues to expand its impact in remarkable ways with
fast-paced breakthroughs and technologically challenging applications.
Our research thrusts have initiated many of the changes we see in the
field, and we are continually working to reflect those changes in our
renowned academic programs. These programs — bachelor's, professional
certificate, master's, and Ph.D. — are also available to students
worldwide through our distance learning program and our special series
of short-courses available for purchase on DVD. Our weekly Colloquium,
in which we invite leading optical scientists and engineers from around
the globe to share their knowledge, are routinely videotaped and are
available to you — at no cost — via our website.
Our research programs encompass exciting, rapidly changing areas ranging
in size from the world’s largest telescopes down to the mystical realm
of quantum nanophotonics. Our technologies impact real-world
applications ranging from new displays in smart phones to emerging 3-D
systems; from engineering new imaging systems in consumer cameras to
adaptive airborne or space systems for defense and scientific
exploration; from biomedical imaging for disease diagnosis and treatment
to the ultra-high capacity optical fiber communications technologies
that will enable the future growth of the Internet. Recent developments
in optical technology will impact clean and renewable energy, provide
sensors and data for more accurate weather prediction, and realize
solutions for more cost-effective manufacturing. At the College of
Optical Sciences, the development of new research initiatives is as
dynamic as the field of optics itself and is the foundation of our
educational program.
If you would like to visit
OSC in person, please call me to request a tour. It is always a pleasure
to escort visitors through our laboratories and introduce them to our
students and faculty members. If you can't make it to campus, please
enjoy a sneak peak with our
webcam and
virtual tours.
You can reach me by e-mail at
tlkoch@optics.arizona.edu
or by telephone at 520-621-6997.
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