RALEIGH, NC–The Carolinas Photonics Consortium has selected five proposals for seed funding aimed at commercializing photonics-based technologies.

Each winning proposal will receive $10,000, plus business and market development support from the Technology, Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Initiative at North Carolina State University’s College of Management.

Following are the winning proposals.

Clemson University:

Dr. Phil Brown: “Light Emissive Nanocomposite Fiber”

Summary: Incorporating specific nanoparticles into unique fiber structures could produce fibers with optical properties that have applications in textile authentication and security system products.

Duke University:

Dr. Quincy Brown: “Illuminus”

Summary: This proposal plans to develop a non-invasive and quick optical spectroscopy of potentially cancerous breast tissue.

North Carolina State University:

Dr. Mark Johnson: “Integrated Cooling Device for High-Power Semiconductor Lasers”

Summary: Removing heat from semiconductors is a major issue which causes inefficiencies and additional cost in existing light emitting devices used in numerous markets.

University of North Carolina at Charlotte:
Dr. Mike Fiddy: “Sub-Wavelength Optical Scalpel”

Summary: Novel optical designs can lead to smaller spot sizes for delivery of power for high precision surgical or industrial needs.

Western Carolina University:
Dr. Pat Gardner: Interferometric Imaging and Rapid Prototyping of Podiatric Arch Supports”

Summary: Utilization of two optical technologies could lead to customized orthopedic devices with improved fit and reduced turn-around time.

The five winning programs are excellent examples of photonics-based technologies which will address immediate needs in widely varying markets,” said Jeff Conley, interim director of CPC. “The process of selecting the five winners was very difficult as we had 28 deserving proposals.

On the Web: www.carolinasphotonics.com

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