John Miner

Assistant Director 407.882.1136

1-50 of 121 technologies managed by John Miner RSS ATOM

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

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

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 the system for measuring the free spectral range of an etalon

Extremely High Precision Measurement of the Free Spectral Range of an Etalon

30944 – Methods, systems, and devices for measurement to determine the free spectral range (FSR) of an etalon Fabry-Perot interferometers, or simply etalons, have been used for many years to select and stabilize the wavelength of tunable diode lasers for Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexed (DWDM) systems. The etalon consists of two parallel flat semi-transparent mirrors separated by a fixed... 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

Depiction of layered structure of skin and the attenuation of incident light on the skin by various phenomena such as absorption and scattering.

Non-Invasive Sensor for Determining Blood-Sugar Levels in Diabetics and Characterizing Materials

30733 – Integrated sensor characterizes optically dense materials by distinguishing the scattering and absorption coefficients of the materials from the incident light Non-invasive monitoring of various patients’ parameters, such as glucose concentrations, offers many advantages over invasive measurements. Patients could monitor themselves intermittently or continuously, without the need to... 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

Optical block diagram showing a hybrid lens distance sensor for reflective targets according to the present invention

Low Cost and High Resolution Optical Distance Sensor with a Large Dynamic Range

31603 – This invention provides means and methods for the creation of an optical distance sensor comprised of a laser, hybrid (digital and analog) lens for ideal distance range and resolution, and an optical imager to measure target path length. The invention also makes use of a beam splitter to allow for remote sensing of object distance, motion displacement, 3D structure and spatial profile. ... Read More

Head mounted brain stimulation medical device

Brain Surgery: Improvement of Deep Brain Stimulation Methods, Systems, and Devices

30314 – Methods, systems, and devices for enhancing both efficacy and efficiency of Deep Brain Stimulation – electrical stimulation known to inhibit symptoms of neurological diseases, disorders, and the like, such as tremors in Parkinson’s disease; and to substantially reduce power demands for Deep Brain Stimulation. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a form of brain surgery used to treat several... 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

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