Nanoparticle-enhanced nonlinear optical thin films for
This technology uses specially shaped metallic nanoparticles to dramatically boost the ability of certain thin films to convert light frequencies — for example, turning infrared laser light into visible light. The nanoparticles are engineered without a center of symmetry, and when they are placed next to a nonlinear optical film and hit with light at exactly the right wavelength, a plasmonic resonance effect amplifies the film's light-conversion efficiency. The result is a composite material that performs nonlinear optical functions far better than the film alone could. This is essentially a materials-level trick that can upgrade the performance of optical components without redesigning the entire optical system.
What you could build
Enhanced nonlinear optical thin-film components for frequency-doubling or electro-optic modulation, sold to photonics hardware manufacturers building compact laser systems, LiDAR, or optical communications gear.
Who in Virginia should care
Defense and aerospace primes in Northern Virginia (e.g., contractors supporting DARPA or NRL photonics programs) and academic photonics groups at UVA or Virginia Tech would be natural contacts.
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
- Hans D. Robinson, James R. Heflin JR., Richey M. Davis
- Granted
- August 10, 2010
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 7772013
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.