GOLDEN, Colo., Jan. 18, 2012 – The development of a new circular polarization filter by a collaborative team of scientists at Colorado School of Mines and ITN Energy Systems has the potential to aid in early cancer detection, enhance vision through dust and clouds and improve moviegoer’s 3D experience.
“A wealth of knowledge is contained in the polarization information of light and accurately measuring this state of light has a number of interesting applications,” said Mines physics professor David Flammer.
When measuring the different properties of light, the naked eye can see in color but cannot differentiate between different polarizations. This new invention allows users to measure the polarization state of light quickly and efficiently and in a simple package such as a camera.
“This is by far the easiest circular micropolarizer to fabricate, which lets us measure all of the properties of light using a simple camera,” added ITN researcher Russell Hollingsworth.
Prof. Flammer and Dr. Hollingsworth, along with Mines physics researchers Katherine Bachman, Jonathan Peltzer, Reuben Collins, and Tom Furtak recently published these findings in “Spiral plasmonic nanoantennas as circular polarization transmission filters” in Optics Express, a journal of The Optical Society.
This work was made possible by a grant from the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research.
About ITN Energy Systems:
After working for more than 20 years in the aerospace industry, Dr. Mohan Misra (a member of the Colorado School of Mines Board of Trustees) founded ITN Energy Systems, Inc. (ITNES) in 1994 to bring aerospace know-how to the commercial marketplace. ITN's primary mission is to identify, develop and commercialize emerging technologies for defense and commercial markets by establishing successful spinoffs, joint ventures or licensing arrangements. ITNES focuses on developing advanced products and technologies that address the needs of today’s competitive business environment, which is driven by the technology revolution. For more information on ITN Energy Systems, visit www.itnes.com.
About Colorado School of Mines:
Colorado School of Mines is a uniquely focused public research university dedicated to preparing exceptional students to solve today’s most pressing energy and environmental challenges. Founded in 1874, the institution was established to serve the needs of the local mining industry. Today, Mines has an international reputation for excellence in engineering education and the applied sciences with special expertise in the development and stewardship of the earth’s resources.
Contact:
David Tauchen, Public Relations Specialist / 303-273-3088 / DTauchen@mines.edu
Karen Gilbert, Director of Public Relations / 303-273-3541 / KGilbert@mines.edu
Russell Hollingsworth, Senior scientist / 303-285-5154 / rhollingsworth@itnes.com