-
Single-ended in-situ atmospheric turbulence strength characterization using deep neural networks.
Prabjeet Saggu
In Free Space Optical (FSO) communication systems, precise characterization of atmospheric turbulence strength is essential for propagation systems. This study investigates the use of Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) to evaluate atmospheric turbulence strength by analyzing scintillation patterns observed in double-pass laser beam propagation scenarios. Objective of this project to develop a DNN-based sensing data processing model capable of predicting the strength of atmospheric turbulence (��_��^2) from simulated scintillation patterns in two distinct scenarios: single pass propagation and double pass propagation systems.
-
Strain Sensing with Eutectic Gallium-Indium (EgaIn) for Wearable Electronics
Ashok Rathanlal
EGaIn (Eutectic Gallium-Indium) is a liquid metal alloy composed of gallium and indium, which remains in its liquid state at room temperature. This unique property allows EGaIn to maintain its fluidity and adapt to different shapes, making it highly versatile for various applications. When subjected to strain, EGaIn experiences a change in resistance, with the direction and magnitude of the strain determining the extent of this resistance change. Although the resistance change is relatively small, it can be precisely measured with specialized electronics and careful design. This makes EGaIn ideal for use in flexible and stretchable electronics, where it can be patterned into specific shapes to act as a sensitive strain sensor, opening up possibilities for its integration into wearable technologies.
-
Stretchable Electronic Systems Enabling Rigid Electronic Payloads
Adin Stoller
Recent innovations in the space of Additive Manufacturing (AM) and 3D printing have resulted in increasing print complexity and resolution as well as an ever-expanding library of materials from which to print. While this has dramatic implications for every field supported by AM, the field of Soft and Wearable Robotics (SWR) has considerable potential to benefit from continued innovations in AM. 3D-printing methods, such as Digital Light Processing (DLP) in particular, enable developers to design and print complex structural components for SWR systems. Unlike other AM methods, such as Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), DLP allows for the selection of a wide range of elastomeric materials optimized for SWR needs (e.g., high strain, extreme temperatures, and self-healing).Additive Manufacturing has long allowed for the creation of basic SWR prototypes, such as pneumatically actuated fingers. With the integration of rigid electronic payloads and stretchable electronic circuits into AM elastomeric substrates (which are inherently insulators), these components will have the ability to sense and react to their environment in unprecedented ways. The next generation of soft robotics will be enabled by novel approaches to adding conductivity to additively manufactured soft robotic structures. With the creation of SWR material systems with embedded electronics, these new “electronic materials” have a wide range of possible applications, including strain sensing, capacitive touch, and stretchable heaters. Thus, developments in the fabrication of these components are necessary to fully realize the capability of SWR systems.
-
Superpoint-Based Region Growing for Point Cloud Labeling
Alison Hardie
LAser Detection And Ranging (LADAR) is widely used in fields such as forestry, topographic mapping, autonomous driving, urban planning, robotics, and object recognition. Automated tools are needed to label and process this data, as manual labeling is tedious and time consuming. Region growing is a widely used technique for both 2D and 3D segmentation. In seeded region growing, segmentation begins at a seed point, and similar neighbors are iteratively added to the region. This approach is applied here using superpoints generated by SuperPoint Transformer (SPT). The use of superpoints improves processing efficiency and captures features on a larger scale. In this method, the user clicks on an object to select a seed point. Geometric features are used to define a similarity metric which guides the iterative region expansion, including neighboring superpoints that meet the similarity criteria. This approach enhances LADAR segmentation and labeling, making the process more efficient and scalable.
-
Surface defect detection using structure Lights
Kiranmayee Madhusudhan
Three-dimensional imaging based on structured light illumination is used to reconstruct 3D images. The structured light is projected onto the surface of the object to be measured, a camera system captures the object image from a different angle of view. The system uses a digital micro-mirror device (DMD) to generate structured light patterns from projector. The patterns are generated based on digital fringe projection. To quantitatively measure the deformation, the system undergoes calibration using pre-known patterns, during which the relative positions of the object, projector, and camera are determined. The 3D information is then processed using standard Image processing and computer vision algorithms. This approach is significant in delivering high resolution, enables real-time inspections particularly essential for transportation infrastructure applications. With its fast-imaging speed, high resolution, and working distance, the system is well-suited to meet the requirements of real-time, field-based tests for fault detection and material degradation.
-
Sustainable Biopolymers for Water and Wastewater Treatment
Moses Ayitey-Adjin
With the increasing number of contaminants found in wastewater, there has been a need to develop sustainable materials that will help address this issue. This work investigates the use of eco-friendly materials such as lignin, chitosan and vanillin in the formation of a hydrogel composite to help remove these pollutants from wastewater. Lignin a byproduct of the paper industry serves as an abundant and a source of a sustainable polymer, chitosan a biopolymer found in the exoskeleton of crustaceans is noted for its adsorption capacity. Vanillin, a natural crosslinker was also incorporated in the hydrogel matrix to improve the gel’s mechanical strength. Different hydrogel composites were synthesized in this work using lignin, chitosan and by varying the weight percent of the crosslinker vanillin. The various hydrogel composites were characterized using SEM, FTIR and a rheometer. The adsorption capacity of the hydrogels was also evaluated against water contaminants such as methylene blue. Preliminary results revealed that these hydrogel composite had high adsorption capacity and are able to remove contaminants such as methylene blue from wastewater hence a potential adsorbent for waste water treatment.
-
Synthesis and Characterization of Cu3VSxSe4-x Nanocrystals: Intermediate Band Gap and Potential Solar Energy Application.
Soham Kadam, Godwin Mante, Nikunjkumar Padhiyar
Semiconductors with intermediate bandgaps have gained significant attention for enhancing photovoltaic efficiency and expanding optoelectronic applications. In this study, we investigate the structural and electronic properties of Cu₃VSₓSe4-x, a promising light-absorbing semiconductor. We systematically introduce selenium as a novel substituent to tune the optical band gap of the material. Selenium substitution is demonstrated to enhance electrical conductivity, carrier mobility, and quantum efficiency in photovoltaic applications. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the intermediate band gap Cu3VSxSe4-x nanocrystals. The material was synthesized using a modified hot-injection reaction method and its crystallographic structure was confirmed through X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Ultraviolet visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy revealed an optimal intermediate band gap, positioning this material as a strong candidate for efficient solar energy conversion. Further investigations into long-term stability under operational conditions and carrier transport dynamics will be crucial for practical implementation in next-generation solar cells and optoelectronic devices. Keywords: Intermediate Band gap, Cu₃VSₓSe4-x, Semiconductor, Light Absorption, Optoelectronics
-
Techno-economic pathway for green hydrogen adoption in thermal applications across US small and medium manufacturing sectors
Anup Paudel
This study presents an optimization framework for designing a renewable hydrogen production system to meet the annual thermal energy demand of US small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs). The proposed system integrates solar photovoltaics, battery storage, and an electrolyser and the use of a mixed-integer linear programming model to determine the optimal sizing of components to minimize system cost while satisfying hydrogen demand under varying natural gas replacement scenarios. The optimization results indicate that increased PV and battery capacities are required for higher shares of hydrogen, while the size of the electrolyser remains constant within each industry. The economic analysis shows a significant cost escalation at higher hydrogen shares, with photovoltaics contributing more than half of the net present cost. Evaluation of carbon pricing indicates that while it could theoretically make this system economically competitive, the required carbon price to make hydrogen viable against natural gas would be prohibitively high, rendering the approach economically infeasible in practice. The study thus recommends the use of targeted incentives for renewable components and renewable grid integration to meet the challenges of transitioning SMMs to hydrogen and accelerate industrial decarbonization.
-
The Aesthetic Advantage: Enhancing Visual Clarity in Point Cloud Labeling with Superpoints
Nordin Abouzahra
Modern 3D sensing technologies like LiDAR generate expansive point clouds, necessitating efficient data annotation techniques. Traditional methods focus on a per-point approach, discriminating individual points via global features such as depth or other available sensor data. While functional, this approach becomes unwieldy as point clouds grow in size. To address this challenge, we introduce the use of superpoints as part of the annotation process. By leveraging superpoints, we can exploit geometric information within the point cloud that would otherwise be overlooked, thereby assisting the annotator. These superpoints represent clusters of locally coherent data, offering a more interpretable and manageable unit for labeling compared to individual points.Our approach begins by processing the point cloud into superpoints. This process produces superpoints that belong to a partition level, ranging from a fine-to-coarse representation. This structure lays the groundwork for more precise, human-guided refinement. Annotators can leverage the inherent spatial and geometric coherence highlighted by the superpoints to expedite their annotation alongside traditional methods. Additionally, annotators can choose the granularity at which to operate. For instance, they may start with a rough pass using the coarsest representation and then refine their labels at the finest level.We conducted comprehensive experiments across multiple large-scale point clouds to evaluate the benefits of our method. The results demonstrate a reduction in annotation time, accompanied by enhanced label precision. This improvement is attributed to the method’s capacity to convey complex spatial information through easily identifiable clusters, thereby reducing the cognitive load on human annotators.In conclusion, by redefining the annotation process with a focus on superpoints, our framework offers a robust solution for the challenges of large-scale 3D data labeling. This advancement not only improves procedural efficiency but also lays a foundation for more scalable and detailed annotation workflows in diverse 3D applications.
-
The Effect of Red, Blue, and UV Light on the Inactivation of Escherichia coli DNA and Implications for Birefringence in Anisotropic Cellular Matrices
Eleanor Callaghan, Anna Carollo, Laura Greb, Ethan Potocki
This poster provides a summary of bioengineering research performed using both visible and ultraviolet (UV) light on the inactivation of Escherichia coli DNA. Red light therapy (RLT) with a wavelength of 620–750 nm is an emerging low-level laser treatment option advertised to improve various dermatological conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, scars, redness/inflammation, and signs of aging such as wrinkles. Red light has the ability to penetrate the inner, dermis layer of the skin, thereby promoting the production of collagen and elastin, which improve youthfulness and appearance. However, blue light therapy (BLT) devices are characterized by a shorter wavelength of 450–495 nm, which focus more superficially on the outer, epidermis layer of the skin. As a result, BLT is marketed as a treatment that kills bacteria, which can lead to conditions such as acne. The overall aim of this study was to quantify the effect of red, blue, and UV light on the inactivation of Escherichia coli DNA in vitro, through measurement of bacterial growth colonies and the level of birefringence in anisotropic cellular matrices. The results may offer insight into alternate methods for promoting prolonged shelf life, sustainable supply chains, and improved food safety measures in the grocery industry.
-
The Influence of Task Difficulty, Color, and Gender on Mental Workload: A Factorial Analysis Using the Multi-Attribute Task Battery
Esther Adeyemi
This study explores how Task Difficulty Level (TDL), color, and gender jointly influence mental workload using the Multi-Attribute Task Battery (MATB) simulation tool. While TDL is a well-established factor in cognitive demand, including color and gender adds new dimensions to understanding workload dynamics. Research suggests that color can affect workload through emotional, behavioral, and physiological responses, while gender-related differences in performance may stem from stereotypes, prior experience, and biological variation. A factorial experimental design examined these variables' independent and interactive effects across four MATB task types: Resource Management, Tracking, Monitoring, and Communication. The study included 180 runs and 15 replicates for each combination of color (3 levels), TDL (low, high), and gender (male, female), and the results were analyzed using ANOVA. Participants were divided into two color groups: RBG (Red, Blue, Gray) and YGG (Yellow, Green, Gray), each comprising 15 males and 15 females. Findings confirmed that higher TDL consistently elevated workload across all task categories. Gender significantly influenced performance in tracking (males outperform females in both groups) and communication (males outperform females in RBG). In YGG, females excelled in Resource Management, while males performed better in tracking. Color alone did not significantly affect workload except in the YGG group for communication and monitoring tasks. However, notable interactions were found: color and gender interacted significantly in the RBG group for Resource Management, while color and TDL interacted in YGG for communication. These findings accentuate the importance of considering demographic and visual variables in workload assessment and offer valuable insights into how task difficulty, color, and gender collectively shape cognitive performance, paving the way for more inclusive and adaptive task design.
-
The Use of Novel Additively Manufactured Electronics Techniques in the Design of Flexible, Multifunctional 3D Printed Antennas
Tanner Cuttone, Bridget Gerber, Christopher Ruetschle, Konnor Von Bargen, Zhe-Yu Yu
Rapid advancements in the emerging field of Additive Manufacturing Electronics (AME) over the past several years provide an innovative and cost-effective solution for the fabrication of multifunctional, frequency-selective composites that can be implemented for a variety of applications in avionics and electronic warfare. The overall aim of this study is to explore two different fabrication techniques (hybrid FDM versus conformal conductive ink) to create a 3D printed antenna and measure the corresponding signal strength, bandwidth, and polarization for each method. New hybrid metal-infused 3D printer feedstock filaments offer a compromise between ultra-lightweight, elastic polymers with relatively low conductivity and melting points, and full metal parts produced through much more expensive additive processes such as laser-powder bed fusion. 3D printing with metal-infused filament comprises an emerging new field coined “metal deposition modeling”, which when combined with dual-extrusion processes, provides an innovative strategy for creating multifunction, multi-layer, multi-material electronic devices with distinct conductive, dielectric, and substrate layers. By comparison, high resolution deposition of thin-film, nanoparticle silver and dielectric inks onto flexible substrate layers provides a revolutionary fabrication technique for flexible, conformal 3D printed circuit boards (PCBs).
-
XRD characterization of metal oxide nanoparticle embedded hydrogels
Baji Varahagiri
This study uses X-ray diffraction (XRD) to investigate the structural and crystallographiccharacteristics of hydrogels embedded with metal oxide nanoparticles. Metal oxidenanoparticles improve the hydrogel's adsorption, mechanical strength, and thermalstability, which makes them promising for various applications. The crystalline phases ofthe embedded nanoparticles, their dispersion within the hydrogel, and any phasechanges that occur during synthesis and application are determined using XRDanalysis. The results offer valuable information for improving the filtration performanceof nanoparticle-hydrogel composites, guaranteeing effective contamination removalwhile preserving structural integrity. Various metal oxide nanoparticles including zincoxide and iron oxide nanoparticles that show promising applications as antibacterial anddrug delivery agents are investigated in this study. They are embedded withinbiocompatible poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) gels and the hybrid nanostructures willbe attractive for biomedical applications.
Printing is not supported at the primary Gallery Thumbnail page. Please first navigate to a specific Image before printing.
