Speaker/Lecture/Seminar

Title: Enhancing Infrared Detection using Artificial Materials and Laser Interactions between Particles and Optical MaterialsAbstract: One of the historical goals of infrared detection has been to reach the background limit, where the noise of measurement is limited by photon fluctuations from the observed object, with a room temperature device. Recent work in my group with optomechanical thermal detectors has reached within a factor of 3.6 of that limit, the closest ever achieved, such that the thermodynamic processes of photon and phonon fluctuations contribute 98% of the measurement noise. The concept behind this was that one can use meta-optics can be used to create structures with extraordinarily high absorption per unit mass. The detector is a metal-dielectric-metal structure patterned on a subwavelength scale such that it is mostly open space. This creates an effective medium that couples highly to free space and even the gaps between pixels contribute to the absorption. The detector performed with a detectivity of 3.8 x 109 cmHz1/2/W and NETD of 4.5mK in the long-wave infrared (λ ~ 8-12μm) with a time constant of 7.4ms.Particles are ubiquitous in all but the cleanest laboratory environments. Whether these particles are suspended in air or deposited on surfaces, they create a radically different environment than what is typically considered during optical testing. However, dirt does not make (laser-induced) optical breakdown a random process. Our recent studies have shown that one can predict with high accuracy which contaminated optical materials will fail early and in which order it will happen. A high power laser illuminating an absorbing particle heats it to thousands of degrees Kelvin, and the particle begins evaporating. The heat transfers to the underlying substrate, and if it reaches a certain value, then the optical substrate or coating will start to thermally generate electron-hole pairs. These carriers will absorb further light and at a certain concentration, the entire optic will fail, occasionally drilling a hole through the entire thickness of the substrate. This process has a very strong bandgap dependence. Similar behavior has been observed for metal particles in air where lasers can accelerate particles to high velocity into their own optics causing catastrophic failure. In this talk, we will discuss the physics of optical breakdown in the presence of dirt and the practical consequences it has on optical system design.About the Speaker: Joseph Talghader obtained his B.S. in electrical engineering from Rice University. He was awarded an NSF Graduate Fellowship and attended the University of California at Berkeley where he received his M.S. and Ph.D, also in electrical engineering. After working in industry at Texas Instruments and WSI, Dr. Talghader joined the faculty at the University of Minnesota where he is now a Professor. His research group works in the areas of directed energy and micro-and nano-optical systems. Among his honors Professor Talghader is a Fellow of Optica (Optical Society of America), has received the Antarctica Service Medal of the United States, and, during his recent sabbatical year, he was a Fulbright and Visiting Fellow at the University of Western Australia and the TI Visiting Professor at Rice University.Virtual Location URL: https://ucf.zoom.us/j/95579595352?from=addon

This is not an introduction to government contracting for the 'faint of heart'. This is a 2.5 to 3.0 hour training session designed to help two groups of business: (1) those just exploring or brand new to government contracting and (2) those down the path a bit looking to backfill some gaps. You can join late or leave early and still learn something about government contracting, but those that stick around for the whole program will receive a practical, frank, overview of the government contracting process.This webinar covers the following areas:* Introduction to the Government Contracting Process * Components of a "GIB Ready" Business * Suggestions for an Initial Marketing Tool Kit * Reactive Business Development Strategies * Proactive Business Development Strategies * Introduction to the SBA's Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) database * Potential Next StepsIn addition to the instruction, attendees will have the opportunity to receive handouts that are practical tools in helping develop your government contracting programs. The handouts will also include the slide deck of the presentation which will include a number of live links to research resources, registration sites, and certification programs.This class will be delivered by one of the Florida APEX Accelerator Consultants at UCF. The Florida APEX Accelerator provides no cost government contracting consulting to small businesses.This event is sponsored by the Florida SBDC at UCF.Virtual Location URL: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/government-contracting-overview-5a1eVO7dUNB/overview Registration Link: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/government-contracting-overview-5a1eVO7dUNB/overview

Capability Statement Boot Camppowered by the APEX Accelerator at UCFA capability statement is a popular piece of marketing collateral in government contracting. It a one-page summary of the business much like a 'company resume' and can be a great tool to introduce your business. A capability statement will not be the only piece of marketing collateral that you use in government contracting, but it can be a great first step.The APEX Accelerator at UCF will present a detailed introduction to the capability statement and how it can be used in government contracting. Highlights will include:* An Overview of the Capability Statement * A Review of Key Components of a Capability Statement: Core Competencies, Differentiators, Past Performance * The Importance of Customizing Your Capability StatementOur speaker will also review some example capability statements as part of this discussion, and the hope is that there will be at least one or two clients who are willing to have their capability statements reviewed in front of the audience as well.Join us for this training session focused on the cornerstone of your government contracting marketing effort!This event is sponsored by the Florida SBDC at UCF.Virtual Location URL: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/capability-statement-boot-camp-5a1eVO7dc7p/overview Registration Link: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/capability-statement-boot-camp-5a1eVO7dc7p/overview

This is a Live Event: The U.S. Small Business Administration expanded its business development SBA Mentor-Protege Program. By pairing your small business with a mentor enterprise, small business owners should benefit from the expertise of their mentor and better compete for government contracts - both of which can drive up the value of their business when it's time to sell.Most small businesses could use the added capacity to be gained from a mentor-protege relationship. The SBA Mentor Protege programs can help them do that. Attendees will be briefed by the University of Central Florida APEX Accelerator regarding free technical assistance available to all small businesses in the government contracting arena. Registration Link: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/sba-workshop-mentor-protege-program-insights-5a1eVO7dfDl/overview

Your business needs a roadmap for every stage of its growth. We'll remove the mystery of how to create a business plan, the information that should be included and how to use it as a tool to keep your company on track for long term growth.Virtual Location URL: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/business-plan-writing-made-easier-webinar-5a1eVO6igcn/overview Registration Link: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/business-plan-writing-made-easier-webinar-5a1eVO6igcn/overview

This webinar is sponsored by Orange County Government.A treasure chest of free data exists that small businesses can use to guide their marketing strategies inside Google Analytics. Rather than trying to teach Google Analytics, this unique program simply focuses on five specific questions that drive digital marketing decisions and how to find those specific answers. Data is only valuable when it produces actionable insights and this workshop goes beyond the charts, graphs and jargon to uncover these insights.Secure your spot today!Presented by Google Partner and National Trainer Matt Weber, President, ROAR! Internet MarketingVirtual Location URL: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/5-things-your-website-is-trying-to-tell-you-5a1eVO7sPLZ/overview Registration Link: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/5-things-your-website-is-trying-to-tell-you-5a1eVO7sPLZ/overview

Title: Enhancing Quantum and Nonlinear Light-Matter Interactions with NanophotonicsAbstract: The field of nanophotonics has significantly evolved and matured during the last years mainly due to the rapid improvement in nanotechnology fabrication capabilities. In addition, currently we are able to accurately model and analyze very complex nanophotonic systems with dimensions ranging from nano to angstrom scales. Nanophotonics promise to efficiently control and engineer light at the nanoscale leading to the practical exploration of various emerging linear, nonlinear, and quantum optical effects. In my talk, I will present our recent findings on nanophotonic systems with new functionalities and how they are connected to several relevant nascent fields in optics, such as metamaterials/metasurfaces, nanoantennas, optical chirality, quantum single photon emitters, thermal emission manipulation, and plasmonics. The presented new photonic nanostructures will find applications in quantum communications and computing, low-threshold nanolasers, thermal emission and radiative cooling, all-optical switches and mixers, compact magnet-free nonreciprocal optical filters, and efficient chiral sensors and polarizers.About the Speaker: Christos Argyropoulos is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at Pennsylvania State University, where he established the Metamaterials, Plasmonics, and Nanophotonics Lab. He also serves as College of Engineering Liaison to the Applied Research Laboratory. He was Assistant and Associate Professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln during 2014-2022. He has published over 370 technical papers in highly ranked journals and referred conference proceedings. His research interests lie primarily in the broad areas of electromagnetics, optics, and photonics, both theory and experiments. He has been the recipient of several awards and recognitions for his research studies, such as the 2023 EurAAP Leopold B. Felsen Award for Excellence in Electrodynamics, 2019 ONR Young Investigator Award, 2017 URSI Young Scientist Award, and 2013 IEEE APS Junior Researcher Award. He is an elected Fellow of Optica and SPIE and senior member of IEEE.Virtual Location URL: https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/ap/t-59584e83/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fteams.microsoft.com%2Fl%2Fmeetup-join%2F19%253ameeting_NmYyMjUyMGYtOGE2My00OGQzLWFiY2YtYmE3YWQ2ODc5Njhl%2540thread.v2%2F0%3Fcontext%3D%257b%2522Tid%2522%253a%2522bb932f15-ef38-42ba-91fc-f3c59d5dd1f1%2522%252c%2522Oid%2522%253a%2522c8152e4f-7645-4925-a914-943f077b1a72%2522%257d&data=05%7C02%7Caaron.eades%40ucf.edu%7C83563a33c95544ce868c08dd8743c81c%7Cbb932f15ef3842ba91fcf3c59d5dd1f1%7C0%7C0%7C638815447630969596%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=5hUGvb6y9no7t6TAmDVU5P5Dv%2FKRyDTsJ46RZJXFKX8%3D&reserved=0

Joins us at the 2025 FSI Seminar Series-MayDistinguished Guest Speaker: Dr. Rachael Seidler, Deputy Director of the Astraeus Institute, University of FloridaTopic: The Space Health RevolutionLocation: Florida Space Institute, 12354 Research Parkway, Room 209Time: 10:30 a.m. - NoonVirtual Location URL: https://ucf.zoom.us/meeting/register/JvF_IbhmQ8ieyTH-GN7BfA Registration Link: https://ucf.zoom.us/meeting/register/JvF_IbhmQ8ieyTH-GN7BfA

This is not an introduction to government contracting for the 'faint of heart'. This is a 2.5 to 3.0 hour training session designed to help two groups of business: (1) those just exploring or brand new to government contracting and (2) those down the path a bit looking to backfill some gaps. You can join late or leave early and still learn something about government contracting, but those that stick around for the whole program will receive a practical, frank, overview of the government contracting process.This webinar covers the following areas:* Introduction to the Government Contracting Process * Components of a "GIB Ready" Business * Suggestions for an Initial Marketing Tool Kit * Reactive Business Development Strategies * Proactive Business Development Strategies * Introduction to the SBA's Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) database * Potential Next StepsIn addition to the instruction, attendees will have the opportunity to receive handouts that are practical tools in helping develop your government contracting programs. The handouts will also include the slide deck of the presentation which will include a number of live links to research resources, registration sites and certification programs.This class will be delivered by one of the Florida APEX Accelerator Consultants at UCF. The Florida APEX Accelerator provides no cost government contracting consulting to small businesses.This event is sponsored by the Florida SBDC at UCF.Virtual Location URL: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/government-contracting-overview-5a1eVO7dZ6j/overview Registration Link: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/government-contracting-overview-5a1eVO7dZ6j/overview

If you're thinking of starting a business, it's important to take the right steps. This two-and-a-half-hour virtual webinar will give you an overview of what to know, important actions to take and best practices on how to avoid common missteps to give your company its greatest chance of success.Learn about the journey from pre-venture to start-up to opening your business as this training covers:* Business legal entity selection * Registration and licensing * Market research and planning * Financial planning and sources of capital * And more…Register today!Virtual Location URL: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/how-to-start-your-business-5a1eVO6igPt/overview Registration Link: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/how-to-start-your-business-5a1eVO6igPt/overview

Capability Statement Boot Camppowered by the APEX Accelerator at UCFA capability statement is a popular piece of marketing collateral in government contracting. It a one-page summary of the business much like a 'company resume' and can be a great tool to introduce your business. A capability statement will not be the only piece of marketing collateral that you use in government contracting, but it can be a great first step.The APEX Accelerator at UCF will present a detailed introduction to the capability statement and how it can be used in government contracting. Highlights will include:* An Overview of the Capability Statement * A Review of Key Components of a Capability Statement: Core Competencies, Differentiators, Past Performance * The Importance of Customizing Your Capability StatementOur speaker will also review some example capability statements as part of this discussion, and the hope is that there will be at least one or two clients who are willing to have their capability statements reviewed in front of the audience as well.Join us for this training session focused on the cornerstone of your government contracting marketing effort!This event is sponsored by the Florida SBDC at UCF.Virtual Location URL: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/capability-statement-boot-camp-5a1eVO7dcm9/overview Registration Link: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/capability-statement-boot-camp-5a1eVO7dcm9/overview

A webinar providing an overview of the marketing process for small business, as well as a close look at all elements of a marketing plan. Marketing is the driver of revenue growth and an imperative for small business success. Topics include the traditional four "Ps" of marketing - product, place, promotion and price - as well as three new "Ps" with special application to small businesses - positioning, people and planning.Virtual Location URL: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/marketing-basics-webinar-5a1eVO6igeP/overview Registration Link: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/marketing-basics-webinar-5a1eVO6igeP/overview

This Live workshop will provide an overview of how to build a successful Joint Venture package that conforms to SBA regulations. An old phrase says that two heads are better than one, your properly conformed Joint Venture will make that statement true. A joint venture agreement or JV is an arrangement between two or more businesses to team up to accomplish a particular business goal. A joint venture may be formed to fulfill a project or business activity, such as when a foreign company wants to enter the local market. Joint ventures may only be temporary, but businesses can enter a JV agreement for short-term or long-term undertakings. We will discuss the specific SBA rules on how to prepare the agreement, as well as how to populate the new entity. Attendees will be briefed by the University of Central Florida APEX Accelerator regarding free technical assistance available to all small businesses in the government contracting arena. Registration Link: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/sba-workshop-blueprint-for-a-successful-joint-venture-package-5a1eVO7dtob/overview

This is a 2.5 to 3 hour virtual training session designed to help two groups of business: (1) those just exploring or brand new to government contracting and (2) those down the path a bit looking to backfill some gaps. You can join late or leave early and still learn something about government contracting, but those that stick around for the whole program will receive a practical, frank, overview of the government contracting process.This webinar covers the following areas:* Introduction to the Government Contracting Process * Components of a "GIB Ready" Business * Suggestions for an Initial Marketing Tool Kit * Reactive Business Development Strategies * Proactive Business Development Strategies * Introduction to the SBA's Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) database * Potential Next StepsIn addition to the instruction, attendees will have the opportunity to receive handouts that are practical tools in helping develop your government contracting programs. The handouts will also include the slide deck of the presentation which will include a number of live links to research resources, registration sites, and certification programs.This class will be delivered by one of the Florida APEX Accelerator Consultants at UCF. The Florida APEX Accelerator provides no cost government contracting consulting to small businesses.This event is sponsored by the Florida SBDC at UCF.Virtual Location URL: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/g/x4W8BcsAj4/government-contracting-overview-5a1eVO7sEmj Registration Link: https://sbdcorlando.com/upcoming-seminars/

If you're thinking of starting a business, it's important to take the right steps. This two-and-a-half-hour virtual webinar will give you an overview of what to know, important actions to take, and best practices on how to avoid common missteps to give your company its greatest chance of success.Learn about the journey from pre-venture to start-up to opening your business as this training covers:* Business legal entity selection * Registration and licensing * Market research and planning * Financial planning and sources of capital * And more…Register today!Virtual Location URL: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/how-to-start-your-business-5a1eVO8PfPx/overview Registration Link: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/how-to-start-your-business-5a1eVO8PfPx/overview

Virtual Event - Capability Statement Boot Camppowered by the APEX Accelerator at UCFA capability statement is a popular piece of marketing collateral in government contracting. It a one-page summary of the business much like a 'company resume' and can be a great tool to introduce your business. A capability statement will not be the only piece of marketing collateral that you use in government contracting, but it can be a great first step.The APEX Accelerator at UCF will present a detailed introduction to the capability statement and how it can be used in government contracting. Highlights will include:* An Overview of the Capability Statement * A Review of Key Components of a Capability Statement: Core Competencies, Differentiators, Past Performance * The Importance of Customizing Your Capability StatementOur speaker will also review some example capability statements as part of this discussion, and the hope is that there will be at least one or two clients who are willing to have their capability statements reviewed in front of the audience as well.Join us for this training session focused on the cornerstone of your government contracting marketing effort!This event is sponsored by the Florida SBDC at UCF.Virtual Location URL: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/g/x4W8BcsAj4/capability-statement-boot-camp-5a1eVO8THP3 Registration Link: https://sbdcorlando.com/upcoming-seminars/

Virtual webinarYour business needs a roadmap for every stage of its growth. We'll remove the mystery of how to create a business plan, the information that should be included and how to use it as a tool to keep your company on track for long-term growth.Virtual Location URL: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/business-plan-writing-made-easier-webinar-5a1eVO8Pgp3/overview Registration Link: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/business-plan-writing-made-easier-webinar-5a1eVO8Pgp3/overview

This in-person workshop will discuss: If you reside in Florida, you are subject to hurricanes, floods, storms, and other natural events on an annual basis. When FEMA is activated, emergency contracting will be needed and if you are registered in the [SAM.gov](http://sam.gov/) disaster registry your firm may be considered for those short-fused contracts. We will discuss how emergency contracting takes place, will address some of the provision of the Stafford Act to protect impacted area small businesses, and will highlight some of the federal agencies that make use of contractors to fulfill their disaster recovery mission: FEMA, US Army Corps of Engineers, others. Attendees will be briefed by the University of Central Florida APEX Accelerator regarding free technical assistance available to all small businesses in the government contracting arena.This event is sponsored by the Florida SBDC at UCF. Registration Link: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/g/x4W8BcsAj4/sba-workshop-disaster-recovery-and-emergency-contracting-5a1eVO8TAPC

This is a 2.5 to 3 hour virtual training session designed to help two groups of business: (1) those just exploring or brand new to government contracting and (2) those down the path a bit looking to backfill some gaps. You can join late or leave early and still learn something about government contracting, but those that stick around for the whole program will receive a practical, frank, overview of the government contracting process.This webinar covers the following areas:* Introduction to the Government Contracting Process * Components of a "GIB Ready" Business * Suggestions for an Initial Marketing Tool Kit * Reactive Business Development Strategies * Proactive Business Development Strategies * Introduction to the SBA's Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) database * Potential Next StepsIn addition to the instruction, attendees will have the opportunity to receive handouts that are practical tools in helping develop your government contracting programs. The handouts will also include the slide deck of the presentation which will include a number of live links to research resources, registration sites, and certification programs.This class will be delivered by one of the Florida APEX Accelerator Consultants at UCF. The Florida APEX Accelerator provides no cost government contracting consulting to small businesses.This event is sponsored by the Florida SBDC at UCF.Virtual Location URL: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/g/x4W8BcsAj4/government-contracting-overview-5a1eVO8T94v Registration Link: https://sbdcorlando.com/upcoming-seminars/

If you're thinking of starting a business, it's important to take the right steps. This two-and-a-half-hour virtual webinar will give you an overview of what to know, important actions to take and best practices on how to avoid common missteps to give your company its greatest chance of success.Learn about the journey from pre-venture to start-up to opening your business as this training covers:* Business legal entity selection * Registration and licensing * Market research and planning * Financial planning and sources of capital * And more…Register today!Virtual Location URL: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/how-to-start-your-business-5a1eVO8PgAj/overview Registration Link: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/how-to-start-your-business-5a1eVO8PgAj/overview