1-50 of 105 technologies within Optics and Photonics RSS ATOM

Ultra-Stable Deep-Dyed Perovskite-Polymer Composites as Tunable Downconverters

34381 – The University of Central Florida invention comprises a low cost, simple deep‐dyeing method that can convert a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polymer matrix into ultra‐stable luminescent perovskite‐polymer composites (PPCs) which have excellent color tunability, color purity, and water‐/photo‐stability. The achieved PPCs can be used in displays, solid‐state lighting or other... Read More

Dynamically Tunable, Single Pixel Full-Color Plasmonic Display

33838 – The University of Central Florida invention demonstrates a liquid crystal-plasmonic system that covers the full red-green-blue (RGB) color basis set, only as a function of voltage, for the first time. Nematic liquid crystals are long rod‐shaped molecules that have extraordinary properties, most importantly: long-range order and alignment with an electric field. This allows liquid... Read More

High Brightness Narrow-Ridge and Broad-Ridge Quantum Cascade Lasers with InP Spacers

34353 – The University of Central Florida invention is an optimized mid-infrared quantum cascade laser (QCL) design capable of delivering multi-watt continuous wave (CW) power in a high-quality output beam. The design comprises InP spacers whose thickness, as well as other design parameters, is adjusted to simultaneously achieve a high CW power and high beam quality. The design method... Read More

Figure 1. Diagram of the UCF dynamically tunable cavity-coupled plasmonic system. As shown, it includes a complementary gold hole/disk array, a tri-layered cavity spacer and a reflective back mirror.

Actively Tunable Photonic Device Enables Multispectral Infrared Camouflage

34066 – Researchers at the University of Central Florida have designed an innovative adaptive infrared (IR) camouflage system that can operate at any wavelength in the technologically relevant, midwave IR (3–5 µm) and longwave IR (8–12 µm) bands. The plasmonic nanostructured system design offers a faster, more efficient way to encode information and provides spectral selectivity, which is... Read More

Phototransistor Mimics the Synaptic Behavior of Neurons

34446 – Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed a phototransistor device that can act as an artificial photonic synapse for neuromorphic computing. Ultrathin and highly efficient, the device comprises a superstructure with the fast charge transport capability of graphene (G) and the efficient photogeneration features of perovskite quantum dots (PQDs). The UCF team... Read More

Solar Energy Device Boosts Optical Absorption of Thin-Film PV Cells

34405 – Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed a way to increase the broadband optical absorption of thin-film solar cells regardless of their thickness or intrinsic absorption. Thin-film technologies (less than 10 μm) reduce the material cost of solar cells and provide added flexibility. However, their reduced light absorption capacity results in lower cell... Read More

Mode Demultiplexing Hybrid Simplifies Coherent Optical Front End

34398 – Researchers at the University of Central Florida have designed a single device that integrates mode demultiplexing, local oscillator power splitting, and optical 90-degree phase deconstruction using a multi-plane light converter (MPLC). As a result, the invention enables more reliable and robust coherent optical signals for communications systems. Today’s current optical front... Read More

As illustrated, the new UCF technology may be implemented using planar arrays such as an organic light-emitting diode array.

Imaging-Based Transmitter and Receiver for Free-Space Optical Communications

34131 – Key points: Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed a robust and cost-effective solution for line-of-site control (LOS)—also known as beam steering—in emerging free-space optical communications (FOC) systems. Instead of using conventional radio frequencies, FOC systems employ optical domain carrier frequencies to establish direct LOS data links between... Read More

Cost-Saving Electro-Optic Comb Generator Uses Its Own Internal Radio Frequency Source to Produce Tunable Broadband, Widely-Spaced Frequency Combs

34056 – New architecture’s ability to generate 52 individual electro-optic comblines across 5 nanometers offers improvements in optical communications and signal processing. Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed a unique architecture for an electro-optic modulation (EOM) tunable comb generator that combines a photonically filtered optoelectronic oscillator (OEO) with a... Read More

A schematic diagram of a double-channel shallow ridge-waveguide configuration using the UCF QCL design.

New Quantum Cascade Laser Design Provides Greater Efficiency and Power for Broad-Area Applications

33908 – QCL design enables the development of compact infrared countermeasure systems that can protect aircraft against next-generation portable surface-to-air missiles. Researchers at the University of Central Florida have designed a compact, lightweight quantum cascade laser (QCL) that can maintain beam quality and protect against laser facet damage while achieving more than 30 watts of optical... Read More

Multiple Line-Scanning Confocal Fluorescence Microscope Offers 3D Single-Molecule Imaging that Minimizes Photobleaching and Photodamage

34128 – Device enables high-resolution, real-time, gentle imaging of single-molecule RNA in mammalian cells. Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed a line-scanning confocal fluorescence technology that scientists can use to capture high-resolution, 3D, live-cell images while minimizing the effects of photobleaching and photodamage to target molecules. By providing a... Read More

Figure 1. An example setup of the UCF Highly Inclined Swept Tile (HIST) microscope system. CL1-CL2 are cylindrical lenses; DM is a dichroic mirror; GM is a galvo mirror; IP is the imaging plane; L1-L4 are relay lenses; M is a mirror; SMF is a single-mode fiber; TL is a tube lens.

Highly Inclined Swept Tile (HIST) Microscope for Advanced Real-Time, Single-Molecule Imaging

34127 – New fluorescence microscopy system enables super-resolution imaging of single molecules across a 40x wider field of view. Researchers at the University of Central Florida have invented a fluorescence microscope that provides better real-time imaging of single molecules than conventional fluorescence technologies such as HILO (highly inclined and laminated optical sheet) microscopy. By... Read More

The block diagram illustrates an example use of the optical calibration source invention and related components.

A Compact, Bright, and Broadband Light Source for Calibrating the Spectral and Spectral Power Density of an Optical System

34055 – Novel method provides plug-and-play capabilities for easily calibrating laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) optical systems. Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed a novel plug-and-play technology for calibrating optical systems such as laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) or Raman spectroscopy systems. A compact, bright and broadband (180 nm... Read More

Figure 1. The graphic (a) schematically illustrates an experimental incoherent light-illuminated DCNN-GALOF imaging system without distal optics. The light source is a low-cost LED. To quantify the amount of fiber bending (b) the offset distance was measured as the distance from the end of the bent fiber to the position of the straight fiber (equal to the length of the dashed line).

Glass-Air Optical Fiber Imaging for Accurate, Real-Time Views of Biological Objects

34029 – New approach can transmit artifact-free images of cell structures in vivo despite temperature fluctuations and optical fiber bending. Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed a lensless fiber-optic imaging system that overcomes the expense and complications associated with existing multicore and multimode fiber-based imaging systems (MCFs, MMFs). More robust, compact... Read More

Figure 1. Illustration of the general concept behind harmonic multi-tone injection locking.

Chip-Scale Harmonic Injection Locking Technology for Integrated Photonics

33996 – New harmonic multitone injection locking technique links optical and microwave domains Researchers at the University of Central Florida have invented a chip-scale optical-to-RF link technology that clears a path for integrated photonics. Using a novel harmonic multitone injection locking technique, the invention down-converts frequency combs from the optical domain (>120GHz to THz) into... Read More

Figure 1. The UCF Holmium laser system concept.

Multi-millijoule Holmium Laser System

33995 – New system can generate attosecond laser pulses for use in biomolecule manipulation. Researchers at the University of Central Florida have invented an ultrafast Holmium laser system that can generate multi-millijoule-level laser pulse energy centered at 2.05 μm and a 1 kHz repetition rate. With such capabilities, the laser can produce long, ultra-broad bandwidth (4-12 μm wavelength),... Read More

An example diagram of the noninvasive, portable, aspiration detection system.

Portable Breath Gas Analysis System

34004 – Low-cost, noninvasive, point-of-care system quickly detects aspiration in dysphasia patients. Researchers at the University of Central Florida have invented a fast and simple way to quickly detect pulmonary aspiration in patients with dysphasia (difficulty swallowing) or other conditions that put them at risk for aspiration-related illnesses. Pulmonary aspiration occurs when people inhale... Read More

Figure (a) shows a schematic representation of chiral light-matter interaction between left-circularly polarized (LCP) and (s) enantiomer; (b) shows a top view of one uncoated sample and cross-section view of one polymer-coated substrate embedding the chiral molecule; (c) shows a representation for the optical characterization.

Molecular Chirality Detection Technique using Hybrid Plasmonic Substrates

33902 – System offers low-cost methods for efficiently and accurately detecting low levels of left- and right-handed enantiomers of drugs seeking FDA approval University of Central Florida researchers have designed a system that can accurately identify the chirality of drugs, proteins, DNA and other molecules at lower detection limits than conventional detection systems. With the ability to... Read More

Chemical Sensor with Real-Time, Remote Detection Capabilities and 3D Output

33957 – New detection system can scan gas mixtures from a distance and provide quantifiable data about specific chemicals in the mixture. Researchers from UCF and the United States Navy have invented an optical detection system designed to identify and quantify the chemicals in a gas mixture from a distance and in real time. The new system can provide a 3D mapping/readout of the mixture’s... Read More

New UCF optical nanocomposite material can be drawn into fiber form, dissolved into a solution and deposited as a thin film, or used as a bulk optical component.

Unique Nanocomposites for Fiber- and Planar-Infrared Laser Applications

33951 – Glass-nanocrystal material can be made into optical fibers, thin films and bulk optical elements. UCF researchers have invented a low loss optical nanocomposite material made of glass and high concentrations of nanocrystals (NCs). Unlike conventional crystal laser media, the new glass ceramic medium can be drawn into fiber, coated onto films, deposited as waveguides or formed as bulk... Read More

Figure 1. Example of a flexible solar cell fabricated using the new UCF light trapping invention.

Omnidirectional, Polarization-Independent, All-Dielectric Light Trapping Scheme

33979 – Novel biomimetic design approach enables manufacturers to cost-effectively produce ultrathin, flexible, durable solar cells that capture the most energy from daylight as it strikes from multiple directions. UCF researchers have developed a novel architecture and process for producing low-cost, ultrathin, flexible and durable solar cells that can be easily fabricated using roll-to-roll... Read More

Low-Cost Brightness Enhancement of Laser Sources Using Photonic Lanterns

33903 – New system enables manufacturers to reduce the cost and space needed to combine and boost the output brightness of semiconductor laser sources UCF researchers have invented a system that requires less physical space and is less expensive than other laser brightness enhancement systems. By uniquely integrating few-mode fiber and photonic lantern technologies, the new system enables the... Read More

Diagram showing the invention’s ultrafast detection scheme based on the plasmon-thermoelectric effect.

Tunable Graphene-Based Method for Detecting Mid-Infrared (IR) Radiation

33901 – New method offers low-cost, uncooled multi-spectral IR detection and imaging in the 8-12 µm bands UCF researchers have invented a low-cost method that can enable ultrafast, tunable mid-IR detection and imaging without the need for expensive and complex cryogenic cooling. The novel graphene-based method paves the way for multi-spectral imaging in the mid-IR domain, which is not available in... Read More

Example setup of the UCF ultrafast laser system to produce high-energy laser pulses centered around the short to mid-infrared wavelength region (2.4 μm).

New Methods for Generating High-Energy, Broadband Mid-Infrared Laser Pulses

33905 – Invention Simplifies Laser Architecture to Generate Millijoule-Level Output at 2.4 Micrometers (μm) UCF researchers have invented a technique for creating broadband, high-energy laser pulses centered around the short- to mid-infrared region (2.4 μm). The technique, which can be applied to existing laser systems, simplifies laser architectures by requiring fewer gain passes to achieve... Read More

(a) Schematic of few-mode Erbium-doped fiber amplifier, CL: collimating lens, FMF: few-mode (FM) fiber, EDF: Erbium-doped fiber, MO: microscope objective, DM: dichroic mirror. (b) Erbium-doped few-mode fiber cross-section.

New LIDAR Receiver Architecture Boosts Signal Quality at Lower Cost

33950 – Few-Mode Preamplified Receiver Design Improves LIDAR Performance in Autonomous Vehicles UCF researchers have developed an innovation in remote sensing technology that may help speed the large-scale deployment of LIDAR (light detection and ranging) in autonomous vehicles. With its novel few-mode (FM) preamplified receiver architecture, the new UCF LIDAR system has demonstrated a... Read More

CMAS infiltration and reaction in a 7YSZ thermal barrier coating

Non-Destructive Optical Test to Detect Damage in Turbine Blades

33851 – A novel non-destructive characterization test to inspect for particulate infiltration and damage to turbine thermal or environmental barrier coatings Researchers at UCF and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) have invented a new, non-destructive optical test to identify whether thermal or environmental barrier coatings on components have been infiltrated with particulates, such as dust, sand... Read More

Schematic diagram of a graphene plasmonic-cavity structure, according to the invention

Monolayer Graphene Optical Detector Offers Exceptional Light Absorption

33758 – New low-cost graphene-based, light absorber increases the efficiency and performance of mid-IR photodetectors, photovoltaic devices and modulators UCF researchers have invented a graphene-based optical detector device with an unprecedented light absorption value of 60 percent in the mid infrared spectral domain. Historically, graphene’s low optical absorbance (less than 2.5 percent) has... Read More

Soldiers training with a multiple integrated laser engagement system (MILES). Laser emitters are attached to the rifles' barrels, and laser receptors are on the soldiers' helmets and harnesses.

Novel Diffused Channel Semiconductor Light Sources Improve the Speed and Performance of Optical Data Networks

33264 – New semiconductor light source boosts the laser signal strength and quality of optical data networks in military tactical engagement systems UCF researchers have invented technologies that enable manufacturers to create faster, more efficient semiconductor light sources than those currently used in optical data networks and other data communication systems. Besides boosting the speed and... Read More

Photonic Platform for Polarization Diversity and Extremely Broad Bandwidths

33645 – New platform enables polarizers to span optical bandwidths of more than an octave in frequency (Note: figures referenced below can be found by clicking the Image Gallery, to the right.) UCF researchers have invented a breakthrough technology for creating optical systems that enable control of different polarizations over broader bandwidths than those of conventional systems. The... Read More

Schematic of the invention’s shallow-ridge QCL configuration.

Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) with Angled Active Region for Broad-Area Use

33717 – New QCL technology’s distributed feedback design enables military applications for infrared countermeasures, infrared beacons and target designators UCF researchers have invented a quantum cascade laser (QCL) that provides the ultra-high output power, brightness, and beam quality needed for broad-area applications. Example applications include hyperspectral imaging, infrared illumination,... Read More

The example embodiment shows two openings (104) in the substrate (102) and a semiconductor stack (122) made of a suspended semiconductor layer (116), an optically active layer (118), and another semiconductor layer (120) supported by a substrate post (102′). The resulting T-shaped optical waveguiding region (124) transmits an optical mode of light, confining the mode at the intersection of the stack and the substrate post.

Novel Nano-Scale Photonics Platform Enables Integration of Optical Devices

33646 – Invention cost-efficiently combines optical lasers, high-speed detectors and modulators onto high-performing telecommunications chip UCF researchers have designed and developed a low-cost way to combine optical devices onto a compact, stable integrated chip that operates over octave-spanning or multi-octave spectral windows. The invention provides the telecommunications industry with a new... Read More

Example embodiments of the invention. a) Schematic view of a four-port circulator device. b-c) SEM pictures of the fabricated system. The footprint of this example device is 4 mm × 120 μm.

Monolithically Integrated Optical Circulator on Semiconductor Substrate

33693 – Invention Provides Communication Networks with a Low-Cost Optical Circulator on a Single Chip UCF researchers have developed an innovative optical circulator and methods for monolithically integrating the device onto a single semiconductor substrate. The device consists of an on-chip design that is broadband, color preserving, compact and integrable with physical processes that are... Read More

Head Mounted Display

Optical Display System Offers Enhanced Resolution for Heads-Up Displays

33689 – Innovative technology can double the resolution of virtual reality wearable displays UCF researchers have invented a novel display apparatus that resolves the low image resolution issues associated with augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/VR) heads-up systems. AR/VR display technology includes immersive video games and interactive 3D graphics. The new invention effectively doubles... Read More

Figure 1. Example method of fabricating a device using the invention

New Technology Offers Thin-Film Integration Compatible with Silicon Photonics Foundry Production

33647 – Invention can dramatically improve the efficiency and reliability of analog integrated photonic systems for high-speed telecommunications in the 1.55 μm wavelength regime UCF researchers have invented a novel way to produce heterogeneous photonic integrated circuits using fabrication methods that are compatible with photonics foundry production. The new process enables manufacturers to... Read More

Schematic of an example application for the invention. The left image shows a graphene-doped ceramic cladding on a single crystal core. The center image depicts the interface between the cladding and core. The right image shows graphene on the grain boundary.

New Cladding Material Suppresses Transverse Oscillations in Solid-State, Single-Crystal and Ceramic Laser Amplifiers

33613 – Invention enables manufacturers to produce high-power laser amplifiers that suppress transverse oscillations while operating in both cryogenic and high-vacuum environments UCF researchers have developed a low-cost, non-toxic cladding material that suppresses the unwanted effects of transverse and parasitic oscillations that occur with high-powered lasers. The new cladding resolves the key... Read More

Example applications of spatially variant photonic crystals (SVPCs): (left) A standard SVPC bend; (middle) An SVPC bend with a lens multiplexed into the lattice; (right) The same multiplexed device with the source beam incident at an angle.

Photonics Apparatus Provides Groundbreaking Light Bending Capability

33687 – New device enables telecommunications networks and high-performance computers to transfer data through tight twists and turns at light speed and without energy loss Researchers at UCF and the University of Texas at El Paso have designed and developed a device that can bend and steer data-carrying light beams through tighter turns and with higher efficiency than current technologies. The... Read More

Wearable display

Optical Technology Offers High Diffraction Efficiency and Polarization Sensitivity

33470 – New diffraction grating technology enables wearable displays to project 3D images using only one panel UCF researchers have invented an optical device that can replace existing technologies in applications such as electronic beam steering for free-space communications, optical switching, and wearable (head-mounted) displays. The Polarization Volume Grating (PVG) provides wider bandwidths,... Read More

Example showing a silicon stretchable focal plane array (FPA) circuitry made using the invention and shaped into a hemisphere for a lens assembly.

New Process and Applications for Flexible Electronic and Optoelectronic Circuits

33601 – Fabrication technology creates stretchable circuits for advanced imaging and wearable electronic devices UCF researchers have developed a new fabrication process for making stretchable electronic and optoelectronic devices, circuits or systems that can conform or deform to specific shapes. The new process enables manufacturers to make circuits for advanced imaging systems, wearable... Read More

Illustration of the hole/disk array coupled with the ground plane.

Tunable, Uncooled Infrared Detector with Narrow-Band Wavelength Selectivity

33377 – Low-cost, mid-infrared (IR) wavelength detector offers high responsivity without cryogenic cooling UCF researchers have invented a nanoscale IR detector that overcomes major limitations of today’s cooled and uncooled IR detectors. The Optical Frequency-Selective Absorber-Based Infrared Detector operates uncooled and can be tuned to a specific narrow bandwidth within the IR spectrum. The new... Read More

Schematic of preferred embodiment of tunable within 1-5 µm wavelength

Lasing Method with Rapid, Non-Mechanical Wavelength Tuning in the Mid-IR

32934 – UCF researchers have developed a tunable laser with broadband coherent output spectrum within the mid-infrared (IR) range using a chirped quasi phase-matched optical parametric amplifier/difference frequency generator (CQPM OPA/DFG)-based design. Comparatively, currently available laser sources do not possess the unique combination of the following desired attributes: high average power,... Read More

A schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the hybrid differential optical sensing system to deliver compressed sensing.

Active and Passive Optical Imaging System to Reduce Storage and Compression Time

32122 – Compressed sensing, which is often based on random measurement bases, is a useful technique that samples and significantly compresses a signal at a much faster rate. However, currently available methods have two key challenges; when used in practical systems, such as computed tomography, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), random measurement is incompatible... Read More

A schematic drawing of a cylindrical disc laser gain medium having a perimetrical edge entirely coated with an ASE-absorbing epoxy composition, disposed in a cryocooler

New High Power Laser Medium Index Matching Reduces Parasitic Lasing in Cryogenic Environments

33261 – A common problem in large-aperture, high-power, solid state amplifiers is parasitic, or transverse, lasing. When this phenomenon occurs, the energy stored in the amplifier quickly drains, effectively clamping the gain accessible to the intended longitudinal amplification process. Currently available methods for reducing parasitic lasing involve the use of absorbing thin films, optical... Read More

Microscope image of graphene transistor.

Graphene-based Plasmonic Phototransistor Provides Broadly Tunable, Narrowband Photo-response

33098 – Graphene phototransistor provides up to 40 percent change in channel conductance for spectral sensing and situational awareness applications Currently, there are no fast, highly sensitive graphene-based photo detectors with a narrow but broadly tunable bandwidth for spectral sensing and situational awareness applications. Extensive effort has been made in this direction through the... Read More

Laser diode array configured on the inside of a conical ring for face-pumping a thin disk laser

Produce a Small Disk Laser Made of Multiple Diodes

30203 – The invention details the means, methods and apparatus for creating a multi laser diode array arranged on a washer shaped substrate. Methods for aligning the diode lasers with an active gain media are provided, as well as the means of cooling the array from the back surface High-powered lasers are used for numerous commercial and military applications, such as: etching, tool making,... Read More

Block diagram of a communication system including an embodiment of a system and method of electronic wavefront correction for free-space optical communications

Inexpensive High Speed Electronic Wavefront Error Correction for Free-Space Optical Systems

31370 – The design of a system for random wavefront error correction by means of a detector array that compares an incoming signal with a local reference wavefront, and the electronic signal processing chip that outputs an undistorted signal. Free-space optical communication has become an alternative to fiber based technologies, and is implemented when physical connectivity is impractical (e.g.... Read More

Three laser beams overlapped to produce a elements ofW and the four measurements are performed by three dimensional filed according to the present invention

3D Polarimeter for Improved Biological, Microscopy, and Military Imaging Applications

30714 – Methods, systems and apparatus for characterizing the polarization properties of radiation or optical fields which fluctuate three-dimensionally UCF engineering professors have designed a novel device capable of simultaneously measuring properties of radiation occurring in three different directions. The data provide detailed information concerning both the radiation emission processes... Read More

Illustration of the EUV Lithography system using the water laser x-ray plasma source

Effective Laser Plasma Source for Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography Using Water Droplet Target System

30515 – Methods and apparatus for a water target source for laser plasma EUV projection lithography having an increased operational lifetime Lithography is used to print highly complex circuits onto microchips. In order to keep pace with the demand for the printing of ever smaller features, lithography tool manufacturers have found it necessary to gradually reduce the wavelength of the light used... Read More

Schematic of a hybrid gain guided configuration for a fiber laser

Hybrid Gain Guiding in Laser Resonators

31086 – Methods, systems, apparatus and devices for hybrid gain guiding in laser resonators Fiber lasers are becoming increasingly popular for a number of applications which had traditionally been the realm of bulk solid state lasers. High power fiber lasers have received great attention because of their ability to provide high wall-plug efficiency and excellent beam quality at high power levels.... Read More

A series of simplified graphs illustrating the generation of a spectral peak by interfering a reference optical pulse and a rellected optical pulse

Long-Range, High Resolution Laser Radar Range Detection

30795 – Systems and methods for long-range, high resolution laser radar range detection Laser radar is simply radar transformed from measuring reflected radio frequency electromagnetic radiation to locating spatially removed objects via laser radiation. A combination of radar and optics provides a system with inherently enhanced accuracy in the measurement of range, velocity and angular... Read More

Schematic diagram of an optical parallel signal processor configured for identifYing a multiplicity of target objects within a real time signal

Signal Processing using Spectrally Phase-Encoded Optical Frequency Combs for High Speed Computing and Pattern Recognition

31090 – Methods, apparatus and systems for a high speed signal processing system As the amount of digital information and communication increases, timely and accurate data collection for software based evaluation and correlation becomes increasingly more difficult. The increase in difficulty arises from three main issues: the sheer volume of the data being generated, the nature of the desired... Read More

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