Research-Experiences-for-Undergraduates (REU) Program: We offers REU positions during semesters and summer sessions for Virginia Tech’s students. The positions allow undergraduates expose to a research environment in the area of optical information and image processing.

Criteria to select the students:
1. Students familiar with optics/electronics and/or with experience in PSpice and Matlab, and preferably students have taken or are currently taking ECE 4144 (Introduction to Optical Information Processing). A useful background course is ECE 3614 (Introduction to Communication Systems).
2. If the number of applicants is large, students with higher QCA are preferred

Acousto-Optics:

AM/FM Laser Communication Link in Free Space
This project will employ an acousto-optic (AO) modulator to modulate or demodulate AM/FM laser beams.   The student will learn the principles of acousto-optic modulation and gain hands-on experience with AO modulators.  Photodetection circuits will be designed and built for AM/FM demodulation. Related fields: communications, optics, and electronics.

Acousto-Optics/Electrical bistable devices and their applications
A signal generator first drives an acousto-optic modulator to modulate a laser beam. The laser beam is then detected by a photodetector, which gives an electrical signal. This electrical signal is now summed with the signal from the generator and together they now drive the acousto-optics modulator. This forms a so-called acousto-optic/electrical bistable device. The student will construct and investigate the device and its potential applications. Related fields: optics, electronics, nonlinear system and feedback, PSpice, and Matlab.

Optical Image Processing:

Optical Scanning Imaging and Processing
This project involves the use of laser scanning to acquire and process images.  The student will learn, design and construct two types of x-y optical scanning: a) electronic circuits for driving galvanometer-mounted oscillating mirrors, and b) computer-controlled x-y mechanical table using actuators.  Scanned images will be displayed on PC for further digital processing using Matlab. Related fields: Optics, A/D processing card, image processing, and Matlab.

Optical heterodying experiments
The student will learn the theory of optical heterodyning, and design and construct optical detector for optical heterodyning detection.  Optical heterodyning will be produced through the use of acousto-optic modulators. The students will also learn to use acousto-optic modulators. Related areas: optics and electronics.

Computer-generated holograms and holographic display
The student will design and construct holograms by Matlab.  Holograms will then be reconstructed using Matlab or/and using optical systems for display. Related fields: optics, holography, and Matlab

Please e-mail, tcpoon@vt.edu, your resume and a statement on what project you probably will be interested in and why to Dr. T.-C. Poon. The REU positions are open throughout the year until filled. Female and minority students are highly encouraged to apply.