Exciting advancements in the field of fiber-based devices were discussed with energy and humor by Jay Sharping, a UC Merced professor, during his presentation Thursday, “Pushing the limits of glass.”

The presentation surveyed the recent developments in the field of fiber optics, a field that has grown in size and capabilities over the past few decades.

“We have the ability to manipulate light now better than we have ever had before,” Sharping said.

The presentation included a history and comparison of microstructure fibers, the base of fiber optics. Sharping also analyzed the variances of several types of fiber optics, as well as the most common methods of constructing fiber-based devices.

Observers of the presentation asked questions and laughed regularly as Sharping spoke with enthusiasm about lasers, fiber optics and chip scales.

“What advancements remain ahead for fiber optics are applications beyond telecommunications, as well as continuous improvements in the field of physics and laboratory sciences,” Sharping said.

Sharping’s seminar, hosted by the astronomy and physics department, is part of the “Physics Colloquium Series,” a series of lectures at Sacramento State held on a variety of topics relating to science.

Sharping is an assistant professor of natural sciences at Merced. He received his Ph.D. from Northwestern University in 2003.

Merced was the first research center constructed for the UC system in the 21st Century. Sharping is one of six physics faculty members for Merced.

Upcoming lectures include Lee Sawyer, a Louisiana Tech professor on March 1, and Chris McKay of the NASA Ames research center on April 5. The lectures are free and are held at 4 p.m. every Thursday in Mendocino 1015.

Jordan Guinn can be reached at [email protected]