" ASAP Optical Software: a value tool for biomedical research and product innovation "
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Abstract: Product innovation is happening all over the world but Tucson, as "Optics Valley", remains special to the mix. Hundreds of optical technology companies have made their homes here and the University of Arizona is a renowned center of excellence in optical engineering. Breault Research Organization (BRO), an optical engineering firm, facilitates strong ties between academic and commercial entities and provides solutions in the form of cutting-edge optical design software, education, and engineering services.

In this seminar Ms. Kathleen Perkins (CEO) will describe the company, its business and educational relationships, and discuss some of the hurdles of turning ideas into products -- including business plans, the language of business, pitching ideas to venture capitalists, and the local and national landscape of funding sources.

A technical overview of state-of-the-art software products for biomedical research will follow with a focus towards the biomedical research community. Dr. William Donnelly will present trends in optometric and ophthalmic patients. ASAP software will be demonstrated as a virtual phoropter, as a simulation test bed for cataract and intraocular optics, and as a mechanism for binocular vision research and other clinical applications. We will also highlight ASAP optical modeling by engineer Paul Holcomb demonstrating the penetration of skin by radiation.  Using ASAP, optical radiation devices can be developed for treatment techniques such as photodynamic therapy. Additional modeling capabilities of ASAP will be shown in the form of a urinary bladder, an MRI application, a sensor attached to a finger, fluorescence, and a scanning microscope.