Art Guenther Was New Mexico Optics Pioneer
New Mexico optics pioneer Art Guenther has died after a short illness. Guenther, who retired from his position as a research professor at the Center for High Technology at the University of New Mexico last year, was instrumental in establishing undergraduate and graduate degrees in optics at UNM, an associate degree program at the Central New Mexico Community College and a program for high school students at West Mesa High School in Albuquerque.
Guenther helped form the New Mexico Optics Industry Association, and worked hard to build a career training ladder for industry workers in New Mexico.
Guenther began work in New Mexico at Kirtland Air Force Base. When the first laser was demonstrated at Kirtland in 1960, he was the only person at the base with a background in optics. He went on to serve as chief scientist at the Air Force Weapons lab for more than 15 years.
Guenther also worked as chief science advisor for three New Mexico Governors, pushing them to develop Centers of Excellence to shape technology development in the state. He was chairman of the International Commission of Optics from 1999 to 2002, and was a member of the Russian Academy of Science. In addition, during his long career, he also held positions at the Los Alamos National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories.
Guenther is survived by his wife, two sisters, two daughters and two grandchildren.