Carl Halford, professor of electrical and computer engineering at The University of Memphis, was recently elected a Fellow of the International Society for Optical Engineering (SPIE).
Halford is the co-inventor of a patented device to reshape corneas with laser light and is also involved in research for infrared imaging systems and has been a member of SPIE for nearly 30 years.
Over 60 individuals were nominated for the fellowship this year, 37 of who were approved.
In SPIE, the highest level of recognition a member can receive is being deemed a Fellow. Fewer than 1 percent of members are deemed Fellows, and current Fellows can only nominate members.
A Fellow is recognized for outstanding contributions in the fields of optics, photonics, imaging, electro-optics or related scientific, technical or engineering areas.
Halford was nominated last spring in recognition for achievement in electro-optical research and infrared systems.
The 48th annual meeting will take place in August in San Diego, where Halford will be presented with a certificate and pin.
“The annual recognition of Fellows provides an opportunity for us to acknowledge outstanding members for their service to the general optics community,” SPIE President Anthony D. Maria said.
Halford said his recognition is not based on one research project; rather it is a “culmination of many years of different things.”
Halford’s research has dealt with electro-optical weapon fire systems for the military, and his device is used to identify targets and then fire on targets once they have been identified.
His contributions to this field include the development of advanced infrared imaging systems, test techniques for infrared systems, infrared scene projection technology and improvements for error estimation techniques associated with imaging systems.
Halford works with the night vision lab outside of Washington D.C., and he also is a consultant for government agencies and private industries.
