John Miner

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1-50 of 130 technologies managed by John Miner RSS ATOM

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

Example prototype of the UCF 3D-printed fingertip pediatric laryngoscope-intubation device.

3D-Printed Fingertip Pediatric Laryngoscope for Safer, Faster Intubation

34054 – New flexible device can be custom-printed to fit a child’s respiratory tract and minimize intubation trauma from surgical procedures. Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed a combined pediatric laryngoscope and intubation medical device that facilitates tracheal intubation while reducing patient trauma. The low-cost, 3D-printed innovation is more flexible and... Read More

COVID-19 Training Cards Offer Easy Access to Key Safety Information

34378 – New training cards provide CDC-recommended steps for fighting the spread of COVID-19 Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed educational training cards about COVID-19 and ways to stay safe from the disease. The deck of 52 cards provides key information including how the disease spreads and CDC-recommended instructions for preventing and transmitting the disease... 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

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

Modular Device for 3D Printers Quantifies and Treats Filament in Real Time

34202 – System for additive manufacturing enables accurate, cost-effective tracking of the used and unused filament in new or existing 3D printers. Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed a novel 3D printer filament feed system that can track, quantify, and coat/treat filaments used in additive manufacturing printers. Such capabilities are lacking in many 3D printer designs... 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

Deformation-Based Additive Manufacturing Technique Optimizes Production and Cuts Costs

34048 – New method of manipulating digital models enables a user to reduce or eliminate the amount of support material needed to fabricate complex parts or assemblies. Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed a method that optimizes and reduces the costs associated with additive manufacturing. By using techniques to deform configurations of original objects, the new method... 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

Figure 1. An isometric, conceptual view of a toy bear with integrated data sensors.

Novel System for Capturing, Quantifying and Analyzing Therapy Interactions

33898 – Innovation aids counselors in diagnosing and treating a child’s behavioral disorder using quantifiable evidence from play therapy sessions. UCF researchers have designed a system that mental health professionals can use to capture and track quantifiable data about a child’s development and behavior during therapy sessions. The Science of Play system works in real time, monitoring... 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

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

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

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

Example use of the UCF Tactile-Visual Wound Simulation Unit in a military combat situation.

Tactile-Visual Wound Simulation Unit for Realistic Hands-On Training

33827 – Multi-Sensory, Interactive Training Unit Lets Combat Medics See, Feel and Treat Lifelike, 3D Wounds UCF researchers have invented an innovative, multi-sensory, interactive training system that realistically mimics wounds and provides constant, dynamic feedback to medical trainees as they treat the wounds. Almost like a video game in real-life, the Tactile-Visual Wound (TVW) Simulation Unit... Read More

UCF’s Young Adult and Adolescent Male Health Behavior Indicators Scale enables health organizations to gain deeper insight into the health-related attitudes, perceptions and experiences of YAAM populations and the health disparities that they encounter.

Assessment Tool Identifies Male Behavior and Attitudes Toward Healthcare

33783 – Survey Tool Enables Researchers to Capture Critical Data about Promoting Health Services to Young Adult Males UCF researchers have developed a valuable survey tool that can help organizations improve their healthcare service and delivery systems aimed at young adult and adolescent males (YAAMs). With the Young Adult and Adolescent Male Health Behavior Indicators Scale, health... Read More

Decision Support System Helps Hospitals Prevent Heart Failure Readmissions

33648 – Low-cost, innovative support tool enables care managers to implement interventions that prevent readmissions and improve the health outcomes of patients with heart failure UCF researchers have invented a decision support tool for enhancing patient care and reducing hospital readmissions related to heart failure (HF). The innovative support tool identifies and analyzes patient-centric human... 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

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

Figure 1. Inventive concepts enable scientists to identify and classify components of complex mixtures found in fire debris.

Method for Determining the Likelihood Ratios of Classes in Complex Mixtures Found in Fire and Explosion Debris Samples

33703 – New probabilistic method enables forensic scientists to determine the classes of substances found in fire debris UCF researchers have developed a new computer-based decision tool that forensic scientists and analysts can use to identify and classify components of complex mixtures found in the debris of fires and explosions. The invention employs a likelihood ratio approach that combines... 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

A sample SterilEyes application for the donning/doffing of a hazmat suit.

Real-Time Crowd-Sourced Oversight of Protective Equipment Donning/Doffing

33444 – Crowd sourced review and certifying service enables healthcare workers to have their PPE donning/doffing techniques collectively observed and reviewed in real time UCF researchers have developed a system and methods that healthcare workers, firefighters and other first responders can use to ensure that they and colleagues worldwide properly don (put on) or doff (take off) personnel... 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 system capturing and identifying contaminated areas in a mock medical procedure

System Monitors Medical Procedures to Detect Sterile Field Contamination

33396 – UCF researchers have developed an automated detection system aimed at helping to prevent and reduce the number of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) contracted during medical procedures. The new System for Detecting Sterile Field Events tracks activity during training or an actual medical procedure and identifies actions (such as contact-related events) that violate the sterile field and... Read More

Breakthrough Optical Blood Coagulation Monitor Provides Real-time Feedback

31064 – Life-saving device continuously checks a patient’s blood clotting status during and after surgery UCF researchers have developed a breakthrough early-detection system that helps detect life-threatening blood clots during and after a medical procedure. Conventional laboratory blood coagulation tests are time-intensive, requiring blood to be drawn, processed and analyzed. The UCF real-time... 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

Method for Increasing Thermal Conductivity of a Substrate

30946 – Method and apparatus for enhancing thermal conductivity and heat dissipation of a substrate by forming a wide bandgap material within a non-wide bandgap substrate. In recent years, as electronic devices have become smaller, the packaging density for these devices on a circuit substrate has increased. Significant amounts of heat are produced by these electronic devices,... Read More

The Dementia and Delirium Analysis Research Tool

33410 – An easy-to-use, accessible questionnaire that both clinicians and caregivers can use with dementia and delirium patients Currently, screenings for delirium and dementia are performed separately and administered by a trained professional. However, this process is inconvenient and time consuming for both the clinician and the patient, often leading to misdiagnoses in busy clinical settings... Read More

A schematic representation of a patient concept map.

Data Completeness Analysis Package Greatly Improves Patient Data Validity

33323 – While electronic records of patient information and care are now prevalent throughout health centers across the United States, such as basic information (e.g., phone numbers or email addresses), to more involved information (e.g., family history and procedure records), there is no centralized mechanism by which data entered by health care staff can be checked for completeness and validity.... 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

Block diagram of the experiment used to determine the emission spectra of the samples

Technique for Tagging Therapeutically Relevant Compounds for Tracking and Evaluation Using Infrared Excitation Sources

31590 – Methods, apparatus and systems for doping cerium oxide and other therapeutically valuable nanoparticles with rare earth ions so that infrared light is absorbed and visible light is emitted through the process of up-conversion Nanoparticles are increasingly being used in the biological sciences for various therapeutic and research purposes. Nanoceria, for example, is a potentially powerful... 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

Block diagram of a third embodiment of a communication system that uses adaptive interference cancellation

Methods and Devices for Interference Cancellation in Radio Frequency Communication Systems

30849 – This patent details the technique and apparatus for carrying out communications that use a radio frequency comprised of a signal and an interference component. The interference signal is generated at a control center, sent to an antenna site via fiber optics and transmitted to another control center, aircraft or ship Scientists at UCF have devised a communications system capable of... Read More

Flowchart depicting the algorithm for the calculation of the levels of confidence in each transition for each spectral peak

Level of Confidence for Line Assignment in Spectral Analysis

33143 – New software calculates level of confidence for line assignment Proprietary software from UCF enables higher accuracy and less false positives in spectral analysis software packages for Light Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) systems and other spectrographic applications. Current techniques use peak matching algorithms to identify element lines and concentrations, however, given that... 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

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