Quantum dot optical fiber for distributed real-time sensing
This technology embeds tiny semiconductor particles called quantum dots inside the hollow channels of a special type of optical fiber. Because these fibers have microscopic holes running along their length, quantum dots can be introduced using a liquid solvent at room temperature — avoiding the heat damage that would occur if you tried to bake them into conventional solid glass. The quantum dots interact with light traveling through the fiber via its evanescent field, enabling the fiber to both amplify light signals and detect specific chemicals, biological agents, radiation, or physical deformations based on changes in how the dots fluoresce or absorb light.
What you could build
A fiber-optic sensing cable that can detect specific chemicals, pathogens, or radiation in real time, sold to defense, environmental monitoring, or industrial process control customers who need distributed, highly sensitive detection along a physical perimeter or pipeline.
Who in Virginia should care
Defense and intelligence contractors in Northern Virginia (e.g., Leidos, SAIC, Booz Allen) and federal labs like NRL in DC would be plausible customers for fiber-based chemical or radiation sensing.
Readiness: Lab validated
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Erik Herz, Carvel Holton, Kenith Meissner, Corey Paye
- Granted
- November 28, 2006
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 7142758
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.