Optics and Photonics

1-50 of 93 technologies within Optics and Photonics RSS ATOM

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

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

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

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

Schematic diagram of a generalized embodiment of the light-pulse measurement system according to the present invention

Highly Efficient Systems and Methods for Measuring Ultra-Short Light Pulses

31002 – Systems and methods for measuring ultra-short laser light pulses using autocorrelation techniques. Ultra-fast laser technology is becoming more commonplace in high-tech industries as new methods are being developed to utilize the characteristics of these lasers. Ultra-fast refers to laser pulses with durations less than a few hundred femtoseconds. Ultra-short pulses have unique advantages... 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

Schematic view illustwting an embodiment of a system for pcrlbnning high-precision length measurement

Systems and Methods for High-Precision Long and Short Distance Length Measurement

30570 – Systems and methods for providing high-precision length metrology using mode-locked lasers and spectral interferometry Traditional length measurement can be categorized by two general methodologies. The first approach uses incoherent detection of light pulses to determine time-of-flight information, which is then converted to distance. While this approach is suitable for long distance... Read More

Flow diagram of the process for providing a laser that operates independent of temperature

Stable Laser Operation with Temperature Independence

30792 – The invention represents the design and apparatus for a temperature-independent laser source. By isolating naturally temperature-independent wavelengths of broad band lasers with a cavity Bragg mirror, the invention herein may produce temperature stable laser output from many laser systems The invention of the laser has enabled, and in some cases defined, most technological advancements in... Read More

Component set-up of a preferred embodiment of the dual beam low-coherence interferometer system

Dual Beam Low Coherence Interferometer with Improved Signal-to-Noise Ratio and Imaging Depth

30455 – A novel design for a dual-beam low coherence interferometer with improved signal-to-noise ratio This novel apparatus is capable of simultaneously measuring a collimated cylindrical beam and a focused beam centered on a target (such as human tissue cells). The invention then detects the multiscattering induced by the target, measuring both the intensity and magnitude values of the beam.... Read More

Finite Difference Time Domain calculation of the energy density around a metal nanoparticle under plane wave excitation

Method of Generating Frequency Tunable Resonant Scatterers

30287 – Apparatus, methods, systems and devices for enhancing optical emissions by tuning the resonant states of conductive structures In many applications, such as optical, mechanical and acoustic sensing, displays of optical information are based on scattering of optical fields with specific frequencies on various scattering structures. These actions are significantly more efficient when the... Read More

Output of a diode laser coupled to a waveguide

Use of Infrared Light Source to Generate White Light

30023 – The generation of white light by exposure of rare-earth materials to near-infrared sources, diode lasers or LEDs, and the various proposed embodiments as applied to a variety of white light applications. Efficient generation of white light is the focus of many optical research endeavors since traditional sources (light bulbs) simply convert electrical energy into light by heating a... Read More

Preferred embodiment layout of the one post-processing. step rapid manufacturing system invention

Inexpensive One-Step Rapid Manufacturing of Metal and Composite Parts and Prototypes

30452 – A one-step rapid method for the manufacture of 3D prototype parts using the original sample material. Tools, machine parts and materials require extensive testing before large scale production can begin. Often, prototypes are constructed for examination and testing. These prototypes must be made quickly, without the aid of full scale production equipment (as running an entire assembly line... Read More

The components of a system according to one exemplary embodiment of the invention for the convert of energy of the photons provided by a laser beam from a laser source is absorbed by a metal nanoparticle supported on a polymeric bead and converted into heat

Nanoparticle Coated Substrates for Increasing Rates of Chemical Reactions with Laser Irradiation

30893 – Methods, apparatus and systems for coating nanoparticles to a polymer support and irradiating the coated support with a laser to transfer heat/energy to materials in chemical mixtures thereby serving as that reactions catalyst. Chemical synthesis is one of the largest, most profitable businesses in the world. The creation of fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, polymers and plastics are all... Read More

Schematic representation of the CdS:Mn!ZnS core sell nanowire (CSNW) formation mechanism

Large Scale Synthesis of Single Crystalline Ultra-long Semiconducting Nanowires for Improved Electronic and Optoelectronic Devices

31139 – Methods and materials for the synthesis of manganese doped cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanowires with a wide band gap semiconducting shell and methods for creation of a reaction chamber where said synthesis may take place. Great efforts have been made to improve upon one dimensional nanostructures ever since the discovery of carbon nanotubes in 1991. One dimensional (1D) nanostructures are... Read More

Steps for an exemplary sol-gel method for forming thin film coated substrates, according to an embodiment of the invention

Sol-Gel Coating Method which Significantly Reduces Water Content and Increases the Coatings Efficiency

31068 – Methods for depositing sol-gel derived coatings on substrates to form film coated substrates with low water content. Sol-gel processing is a common method for the production of glass or ceramic material. The first and still one of the largest applications for sol-gel technology is for the formation of thin films, generally 0.5 micrometers or thinner. The films are generally produced on... Read More

Schematic diagram of a gain guided index antiguided fiber longitudinally-pumped by a fiber-coupled laser diode

Gain-guided Optical Fiber Laser

31118 – The invention represents the design of a fiber laser that index-anti-guides by gain-guiding laser light through the core of a fiber that may be up to 500μm in core size. The laser then delivers a single mode, high power laser light through a variety of off axis optical pumping into fiber cladding. The fabrication of optical fiber, that includes optically amplifying materials, has resulted... Read More

General schematic for the ultralow noise mode-locked laser and RF sinewave source

Dual Opto-Electronic Precision Clocking Protocol for Optical and Electronic Systems

30272 – The design of an opto-electronic loop that drives a harmonic mode-locked laser to produce a beat pattern signal to act as a high precision clocking protocol in both the optical and electronic regimes. Inside of every piece of modern electronic technology lays a clock. Intended to coordinate and synchronize spatially separated operations within in a circuit or across a communications... Read More

First embodiment of the present invention with a Ti:Sapphire oscillator

High Intensity Mega Hertz Mode-Locked Laser

30269 – Systems, devices and methods of using stable, self-starting mode-locked lasers, which are compact, use lower optical elements and have energies sufficient for most microprocessing and micro-structuring applications. Extremely short duration optical pulses, which are known as femtosecond pulses, are ultra-short pulses that make it possible to investigate ultrafast processes, and can be used... Read More

Schematic setup of the invention wherein the distributed process control is implemented by sequential measurement

Low Coherence Apparatus for Non-Invasive Real Time System Analysis and Process Control

30456 – Method and apparatus for the in-situ physical analysis of particles present in fluid substances and in air There are many applications where particle characterization measurements can provide manufacturing practices with improved process control. Such data can lead to higher recovery rates, reduced reagent consumption and better product quality. These benefits result in reduced cost and... Read More

Experimental system for the differential Shack-Hartmann curvature sensor according to the first embodiment of the present invention

Improved Differential Shack-Hartmann Wavefront Curvature Sensor

30559 – The design of a differential Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor made of a twice split input wavefront, into the x-, y- and z-axis, that are each sampled by a lenslet array and compared to determine the wavefront’s local curvature In any optical system, aberrations are present in the light’s wavefront. These aberrations are deviations from a perfect spherical wavefront. These errors come... Read More

Flowchart of a method for generating a tuned optical beam in a laser, according to some embodiments disclosed herein

Synthesis of Nanoparticles with Enhanced Thermal Stability

31283 – The design for a broadband tunable laser source comprised of N paralleled SOA devices coupled into a single mode optical fiber and filtered for consistence and output tuning. The ability to have an optical source that will generate the widest spread of wavelengths (colors) possible is necessary to many fields including Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) in medical imaging,... Read More

Perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of the novel probe and receiver device for simultaneous acquisition of spatial and spectral OCT (SI-OCT)

Simultaneous Spatial Imaging and Spectral Sensing for the Diagnosis of Cervical and Skin Cancers

30450 – A probe that simultaneously performs optical coherence tomography (OCT) and spectral analysis using back reflected light The present invention provides a tunable source of low-coherence light to simultaneously conduct spatial imaging and spectral sensing for tissue diagnosis. It offers a real time three dimensional colposcopy diagnosis and the detailed guidance to physically biopsy... Read More

Illustrations of the molecular arrangement for a nematic liquid crystal (NLC) and a twisted nematic liquid crystal (TNLC)

Wavelength Independent Polarization Rotator with a Wide Field of View

30503 – This patent represents the means, methods and apparatus for the creation of a device for rotating the polarization of linearly polarized IR, visible and UV light. The device consists of a transparent input window, a transparent output window with oriented surface coating and a twisted nematic liquid crystal sandwiched between them. The polarization of light specifies the direction of the... Read More

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