Precision Optical Measurement and Characterization of Light Sources

Overview

NIST seeks a scientist with an interest in the precision measurement and characterization of optical sources and systems. Example areas of interest include LEDs, lasers, lamps, imaging systems, radiometry, photometry, and non-contact temperature measurement based on thermal radiation. A unifying principle of the work is the development of accurate optical measurement techniques that connect fundamental physical quantities to measurable optical signals.

For example, one branch of interest is the radiometric and photometric characterization of LEDs and other solid-state light sources. The work may involve developing measurement systems to determine spectral power distributions, optical power, luminous intensity, luminance, and other photometric and radiometric quantities. Emphasis may be placed on understanding and reducing systematic effects associated with detectors, optical geometry, spectral response, source characteristics, and measurement environment.

Another area of interest is the measurement and characterization of lamps and thermal radiation sources, including the development of non-contact temperature measurement techniques using optical radiometry. The work may involve spectroradiometric measurements of emitted radiation and the development of methods to relate observed optical radiation to source temperature and other physical properties. The working principle is to infer temperature from the thermal radiation emitted by an object, with the goal of developing accurate and traceable methods for temperature measurement without physical contact. The work may involve understanding spectral emissivity, detector response, optical system characteristics, and other factors that limit the accuracy of radiation thermometry, with the broader goal of advancing radiometric techniques and standards for temperature and optical source characterization.

A further area of interest is the optical characterization of imaging systems. The work may involve developing quantitative methods to measure spatial response, resolution, contrast, sensitivity, radiometric performance, and other characteristics of imaging systems. Measurements may combine calibrated optical sources, detectors, imaging sensors, and computational analysis to establish accurate and reproducible performance metrics.

The scientist will have an opportunity to develop new experimental methods, design and build optical measurement systems, perform precision measurements, quantify measurement uncertainty, analyze experimental data, and investigate the physical limitations of existing measurement techniques. The work will involve close interaction between experiment, instrumentation, modeling, and data analysis, with the goal of advancing the accuracy and capabilities of optical measurement science.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Strong understanding of optical measurement principles, including radiometric and photometric quantities, spectral measurements, and detector characterization.
• Experience with spectroradiometers, photodetectors, integrating spheres, optical power meters, imaging systems, or related instrumentation.
• Demonstrated ability to design and conduct experiments, analyze experimental data, and evaluate measurement uncertainty and sources of error.
• Strong programming and data-analysis skills using tools such as Python, MATLAB, or equivalent scientific computing environments.

Research Proposal

• Conduct research and development to advance optical measurement science, including the development, evaluation, and validation of novel measurement methods, instrumentation, and analytical.
• Instrumentation of apparatus, including optical, electrical, mechanical, and control automation
• Instrument control, data acquisition and curation, and final analysis all performed in python
• Publishing results of research to relevant journals and presentation at conferences