Payman Rajai

Senior R&D professional and developer specializing in computational optics, precision metrology, and custom ophthalmic device software. Combines hands-on manufacturing expertise in contact lens fabrication, Spectral OCT and MEMS modeling with full-stack application development for complex optical design. Proven track record in translating high-level physics—including laser interferometry and corneal topography—into high-yield production algorithms and scalable web applications.

Independent Researcher and Developer at Self-Funded Research Project (TopoTech) (2021-04 – Present)

• Self-funding and leading a 5-year independent R&D initiative to develop a proprietary custom freeform optical surface modeling platform.
• Performing advanced mathematical and geometric modeling of cornea-scleral surface topography, enabling precision micro-optics and freeform surface metrology.
• Engineered Python-based computational optics software to simulate complex surface profiles, perform geometric ray tracing, and validate physical-layer optical models.

Production Specialist at Viscon Contact Lens Mfg. (2025-12 – 2026-02)

• Optimized contact lens production line by resolving bottlenecks, calibrating equipment, and digitizing manufacturing workflows.
• Authored a technology development proposal submitted to Alberta Innovates for a provincial innovation grant.

R&D Lead — Laser Interferometry at Aalipayam Medical Engineering Co. (2020-04 – 2021-04)

• Designed and implemented a homodyne laser interferometry system to measure phacoemulsification tip vibration amplitude (up to 50 µm) and frequency (up to 40 kHz) with 0.5 µm accuracy.
• Developed theoretical basis for fringe-chasing interferometric measurement and built supporting data-acquisition software.
• Opto-mechanical mounting, optical bench setup, beam alignment, noise isolation, and automated data logging.

Postdoctoral Research Associate at MicroNano Mechatronic Lab, Univ. of Windsor (2017-02 – 2020-03)

• Developed analytical models for MEMS resonators in linear and nonlinear regimes; evaluated doping-dependent elastic properties of silicon.
• Conducted binaural acoustic direction-finding research
• Published 3 peer-reviewed articles and secured MITACS Accelerate Grant.

Ph.D. Researcher at Visual Optics Lab, Univ. of Ottawa (2010-01 – 2016-05)

• Developed a novel FD-OCT methodology for simultaneous extraction of refractive index and physical thickness in multilayer biological systems — resolving a century-old measurement problem in optics.
• Published 2 peer-reviewed Journal of Biomedical Optics articles

Lab Supervisor at Viscon Contact Lens Mfg. (2008-12 – 2009-12)

• Supervised production line; computerized workflows to reduce cycle time.
• Led ISO family certification process; contributed to development of the Mini Scleral Design (MSD™).

Ph.D. in Physics (Optics) – University of Ottawa (2010 – 2016)