Title: Meta structure designs for device applicationsAbstract: Metasurfaces are extensively used to manipulate the light and increase light-matter interaction. Owing to strong plasmonic resonances, sub wavelength metal elements have been successfully used in several applications. To avoid the associated ohmic loss, we choose non-absorbing dielectrics and Mie resonance in our designs to enhance the performance in areas including single and biphoton emitters used in quantum optics application, THz source and detector used in screening application, reflective optical limiting, and photo conducting devices used in sensing applications. In this talk, I will outline the basic principles of Mie-based metasurface design and then briefly walk you through several topics we pursued/published in the last couple of years and the work in progress.About the Speaker: Dr. Srini Krishnamurthy worked for over 35 years in various positions at SRI International, Menlo Park, CA until 2019. He then worked for over 6 years as Senior Principal Scientist at Sivananthan Laboratories, Chicago, Illinois. He is an Adjunct Professor of Physics at University of Illinois-Chicago (from 2014). He has worked on various areas including first-principles band structure, electronic, optical, and magnetic properties of semiconductors, linear and nonlinear optical transmission in solids, photonics, metamaterials and metasurfaces, infrared materials and device designs, and inverse scattering methods. He received a Doctorate in Physics from University in Cincinnati in 1984, awarded Alexander von Humboldt fellowship, has been visiting professor of Physics at Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, and University of Illinois-Chicago. As a Humboldt Fellow, he worked at the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research, Stuttgart and Paul Drude Institute for Solid State Electronics, Berlin.Virtual Location URL: https://ucf.zoom.us/j/92964652706?from=addon

Dr. Jesse Rothbard, the new coordinator of the Latin American, Caribbean, and Latinx Studies Program and Assistant Professor of Spanish will be there to talk with everyone.There will also a zoom meet-and-greet from 7-8pm on Sept. 4th for anyone who isn't able to make it to campus. The zoom link is included below: [https://ucf.zoom.us/j/93122502579?pwd=ilOc8MbJsqSOXgfR6O6SoaCEdbtYBf.1](https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fucf.zoom.us%2Fj%2F93122502579%3Fpwd%3DilOc8MbJsqSOXgfR6O6SoaCEdbtYBf.1&data=05%7C02%7Ctea.higginbotham%40ucf.edu%7Cfd0725a241f045a837e708dde6303720%7Cbb932f15ef3842ba91fcf3c59d5dd1f1%7C0%7C0%7C638919816939257582%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=HKFBTpAaCqKLYGR%2BuCoFZ566I9MdmYsbZrA5Nq%2Fq%2FSk%3D&reserved=0 "Original URL: https://ucf.zoom.us/j/93122502579?pwd=ilOc8MbJsqSOXgfR6O6SoaCEdbtYBf.1. Click or tap if you trust this link.")

Title: Terahertz metasurface quantum-cascade vertical-external-cavity surface-emitting-lasers (VECSELs)Abstract: The terahertz frequency range lies at the junction of the electronic and photonic regimes, which means that it is fertile ground for exploring hybrid systems which combine laser gain with microwave electromagnetic design. The terahertz quantum-cascade (QC) laser is an excellent example, which produces gain via intersubband electronic transitions within heterostructure quantum wells, but typically uses sub-wavelength waveguides that have a strong resemblance to microstrip transmission lines and patch antennas. I will discuss the development and recent advances to do with amplifying reflectarray metasurfaces based upon sub-wavelength arrays of such antennas loaded with QC-gain material, and their use in implementing vertical-external-cavity surface-emitting-lasers (VECSELs).In the QC-VECSEL scheme, the amplifying metasurface is used as one reflector in an external cavity, which supports a well-shaped circulating THz beam. The QC-VECSEL architecture offers a solution to many problems that have plagued THz QC-lasers - namely their low emission powers and efficiencies (especially above 77 K), their limited beam quality (especially at high powers), and their limited range of continuous single-mode tunability. I will discuss several advances in the field of VECSELs in the past few years. First is the development of QC-VECSELs as stable, single-moded local oscillators for heterodyne receivers. Such lasers are in demand for future astrophysical instruments for mapping of molecular and atomic species within the interstellar medium - particularly at high frequencies above 2 THz which are difficult to access using electronic sources. We have recently shown that QC-VECSELs can provide mW to tens of mW continuous-wave power, in a near-diffraction limited beam, with large fractional tunability (up to 20% of the center wavelength). Second, is the extension of QCLs and QC-VECSELs to higher frequencies above 5 THz and approaching the lossy Reststrahlen band in GaAs. We have recently demonstrated QC-laser gain material operating up to 6.5 THz (46 μm wavelength), and tunable QC-VECSELs operating between 5.2-5.7 THz. Third is the initial demonstration of QC-VECSELs as frequency combs. Since every longitudinal mode in a QC-VECSEL interacts with the gain medium through the same metasurface resonance, there is no-spatial hole burning per se. As a result QC-VECSELs prefer to lase in single-mode, unlike waveguide QC-lasers which will spontaneously lase in multi-mode and frequency comb operation. However, we have shown that THz QC-VECSELs can be forced into a fundamental or harmonic frequency-comb regime via strong microwave modulation of the metasurface gain. About the Speaker: Benjamin Williams is Professor and Chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). He received his B.S. in Physics from Haverford College in 1996, and his M.S. in 1998 and Ph.D. in 2003 both from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Electrical Engineering. He is currently Associate Editor for IEEE Transactions in Terahertz Science and Technology. He has received the APS Apker Award (1996), the DARPA Young Faculty Award (2008), the NSF CAREER Award (2012), and the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) (2016). His research interests lie in photonic materials, devices, and applications for the terahertz and mid-infrared frequency ranges, including low-dimensional semiconductors, quantum-cascade lasers, and plasmonics and metamaterials.Virtual Location URL: https://ucf.zoom.us/j/92584023013?from=addon

The UCF College of Engineering and Computer Science's Zoom-cast series is live-streamed every other Friday from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., offering talks by CECS faculty and a live-chat Q&A.Targeted to faculty, scientists, and potential industry and government partners, [all are invited to Zoom-in](https://ucf.zoom.us/j/95525633786) and hear presentations by UCF's engineering and computer science faculty who explain their cutting-edge, pioneering research endeavors in quick snapshots.These talks provide an opportunity to get to know -- and collaborate with -- our faculty who are advancing innovations in all areas of engineering and computer science, including smart city technology, aerospace, energy, modeling and simulation, medicine, advanced materials, cyber security and more. Each faculty presenter will narrate as they share illustrative slides.Moderated by Subith Vasu, Ph.D., UCF Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, viewers can submit questions in real-time and express interest in collaborating.The Sept. 5, 2025 presenter lineup:* Tamara Gabrus and Joshua Roney, Ph.D., UCF Office of Research: "Research Advancement and Strategy" * Xin Xin, Ph.D., Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering: "Revisiting Resilient Memory Design for Enhanced Resource Utilization"See more details in the [Sept. 5 faculty research talk flyer](https://www.cecs.ucf.edu/web/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Sept-5-2025-faculty-research-talk-flyer-web-accessible.pdf).Miss a session? See [recordings of past research talks](https://bit.ly/3cyb6He).Virtual Location URL: https://bit.ly/3ILqC1l

Join the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering for the next lecture in the MAE Seminar Series. This week, alumnus Anthony Terracciano of Aegis Aerospace will present "Characterization of Spacecraft Thruster Plumes via Augmented View Factor Methods for Spacecraft Docking Interactions."

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-5a1eVO8PgVh/overview Registration Link: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/how-to-start-your-business-5a1eVO8PgVh/overview

During the next several Wednesdays, CREOL faculty will present brief highlights of their research activities. The talks take place at noon in Room 103, with two professors each giving a 25-minute presentation.Attendance is mandatory for all first-semester Ph.D. students.SEPTEMBER 312:00: Ayman Abouraddy12:30: Christian HeideSEPTEMBER 10No presentationsSEPTEMBER 1712:00: Sean Pang12:30: Yannick SalaminSEPTEMBER 2412:00: Konstantin Vodopyanov12:30: Shin-Tson WuOCTOBER 112:00: Joshua Kaufman12:30: Kristopher DavisOCTOBER 812:00: Kyle Renshaw12:30: Peter DelfyettOCTOBER 1512:00: Eric Johnson12:30: Ivan DivlianskyOCTOBER 2212:00: Murat Yuskel12:30: Li FangOCTOBER 2912:00: Kyu Young Han12:30: Leland NordinNOVEMBER 512:00: TBD12:30: Midya PartoNOVEMBER 1212:00: Sasan Fathpour12:30: Debashis ChandaNOVEMBER 1912:00: Stephen Eikenberry12:30: TBD

* Vous voulez ameliorer votre français oral? (Would you like to improve your French speaking skills?) * Vous aimeriez connaitre des etudiant.e.s qui ont la meme passion que vous pour la langue française?(Would you like to meet students who share your passion for the French language?)Bienvenu.e.s au cafe francophone! Venez echanger avec vos collegues etudiant.e.s dans une ambiance decontractee. (Welcome to the French cafe! Come and chat with your colleagues in a relaxed atmosphere.)Pour qui? Les etudiant.e.s de niveau 2000 (intermediaire) et +, ou etudiant.e.s francophones. (For students at the 2000 level (intermediate) or higher, or French speakers)

The Department of English invites you to a special Writers in the Sun event: a bilingual reading of Camille's Lakou, a newly published novel by Marie Leticee (Vanderbilt University Press), translated by Kevin Meehan. The event is co-sponsored by the Department of Modern Languages, the Latin American, Caribbean and Latinx Studies Program, and the Center for Digital Humanities and Research.

Virtual eventYour 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-5a1eVO8Pi7h/overview Registration Link: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/business-plan-writing-made-easier-webinar-5a1eVO8Pi7h/overview

Title: Quantum Optics and Confinement Control in Engineered Photonic NanomaterialsAbstract: Naturally abundant materials--such as silicon, metals and van der Waals (vdW) materials--exhibit excellent optical properties, making them well-suited for use in both classical and quantum photonic integrated circuits. By sculpting these materials under extreme conditions, including high pressure, mechanical strain and intense light fields, one can unlock vast opportunities for on-demand engineering of their photonic properties. In the first part of the talk, we will employ thermomechanical processing under carefully controlled pressures and temperatures, allowing for record-rate manipulation of 1D and 2D vdW materials, as well as modulation of phonon-polariton dispersion by more than 10% through stoichiometric control. We will proceed to show that engineered photonic integrated circuits enable multimodal addressing of tightly spaced trapped-ion chains. Finally, we will demonstrate that bright single-photon sources can be realized through the use of tailored nanophotonic resonators and atomic-scale material design. Such extreme-engineered materials open new frontiers in nanophotonics, offering powerful modalities for creating optoelectronic devices with tunable properties for telecommunications and quantum information technologies.About the Speaker: Maxim Shcherbakov is an assistant professor at the University of California, Irvine, with joint appointments in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Materials Science and Engineering. His research is at the intersection of quantum photonics, nonlinear optics and nanostructures, with a particular focus on quantum-engineered materials for next-generation optical technologies. Before joining UCI, Shcherbakov was a postdoctoral associate at Cornell University, following his Ph.D. in Physics from Lomonosov Moscow State University. His work has been recognized with major honors, including the NSF CAREER Award, the DARPA Young Faculty Award, Director's Award and a Blavatnik Postdoctoral Finalist distinction. He has authored over 60 peer-reviewed publications and leads multiple nationally and internationally funded research efforts in quantum and nonlinear optics.Virtual Location URL: https://ucf.zoom.us/j/93442937025?from=addon

In this session, we will share information about our Master's in TESOL and our Teaching English as a Foreign Language Certificate. We will talk about the programs, the career possibilities, and leave time for open questions.Virtual Location URL: https://applynow.graduate.ucf.edu/register/?id=0b1b15c2-2b18-4c49-8204-265676475e0e Registration Link: https://applynow.graduate.ucf.edu/register/?id=0b1b15c2-2b18-4c49-8204-265676475e0e

During the next several Wednesdays, CREOL faculty will present brief highlights of their research activities. The talks take place at noon in Room 103, with two professors each giving a 25-minute presentation.Attendance is mandatory for all first-semester Ph.D. students.SEPTEMBER 312:00: Ayman Abouraddy12:30: Christian HeideSEPTEMBER 10No presentationsSEPTEMBER 1712:00: Sean Pang12:30: Yannick SalaminSEPTEMBER 2412:00: Konstantin Vodopyanov12:30: Shin-Tson WuOCTOBER 112:00: Joshua Kaufman12:30: Kristopher DavisOCTOBER 812:00: Kyle Renshaw12:30: Peter DelfyettOCTOBER 1512:00: Eric Johnson12:30: Ivan DivlianskyOCTOBER 2212:00: Murat Yuskel12:30: Li FangOCTOBER 2912:00: Kyu Young Han12:30: Leland NordinNOVEMBER 512:00: TBD12:30: Midya PartoNOVEMBER 1212:00: Sasan Fathpour12:30: Debashis ChandaNOVEMBER 1912:00: Stephen Eikenberry12:30: TBD

In-Person Seminar! This presentation provides an overview of programs available from SBA to support the establishment and growth of small businesses, including loan guaranty and venture capital programs to enhance small business access to capital; contracting programs to increase small business opportunities in federal contracting; direct loan programs for businesses, homeowners, and renters to assist their recovery from natural disasters; and small business management and technical assistance training programs to assist business formation and expansion. Congressional interest in these programs has increased in recent years, primarily because small businesses are viewed to stimulate economic activity and create jobs. SBA programs could be the ticket to your achievement of the American Dream. 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/g/x4W8BcsAj4/sba-workshop-how-sba-can-help-your-small-business-achieve-the-american-dream-5a1eVO93HAR

2025 Lecture SeriesSponsored by the Eurasia Foundation (From Asia)With 60 percent of the world's population, Asia is not only home to the world's oldest civilizations, it also represents cultural and economic vitality. Asia has a major role in manufacturing, technology and investment markets. Non-governmental organizations specializing in economic development, healthcare and environmental protection are also active throughout Asia. This series will provide a rare opportunity for students and the community to develop a better understanding of the cultural, political and economic forces that have shaped modern Asia by hearing from esteemed international scholars.The Challenge of Being A Global Citizen: The Journey of the Post-Ottoman TurkeyArzu Özturkmen Director & Professor of History, Bogaziçi UniversityVirtual Location URL: https://cah.ucf.edu/eurasia-lectures-2025/

UCF Office of Global Perspectives and International Initiatives is pleased to invite you for a fascinating conversation with Dr. Kirk Johnson, renowned paleobotanist and the Sant Director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, home to the largest natural history collection in the world. In this captivating talk, Museums, Science, Nature, and the Future, Dr. Johnson will explore the essential role museums play not only as guardians of history but also in advancing scientific understanding. Johnson will take us on a journey of tracing the story of our planet through time, and how the intersection of museums, science, and nature offers vital insights for understanding our present and illuminating the path ahead for navigating the future.Moderated by: David Dumke, Executive Director for UCF Office of Global Perspectives and International InitiativesThis event is part of the Lester N. Mandell Endowed Distinguished Lecture Series and hosted by UCF Global Perspectives and International Initiatives. Registration Link: https://ucf.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_89fVo8GpqPoMr1Y Registration Info: Free and open to the public. RSVP is required to attend.

Title: Probing light-matter interactions in nano-structured layered van der Waals materials for advanced nanophotonicsAbstract: Nanophotonic devices, relying on strong interaction between light and the underlying materials, play a vital role in modern technology facilitating communication, sensing, imaging, and energy conversion across various disciplines. In my research, I examine the use of novel layered van der Waals materials in creating more advanced nanophotonic devices to meet the growing demands imposed by newly emerging technologies. Specifically, I probe the coupling between light and the intrinsic excitations living within different types of van der Waals materials, which strongly modifies materials' optical responses and thus have profound implications on the photonic nano-structures performances. By utilizing the unique properties of this novel material platform, I find that nanophotonic devices and systems with reduced footprint, stronger light-matter interactions, and potentially higher energy efficiency can be achieved. These findings can provide a guideline for designing, fabricating, and characterizing advanced optical systems made of novel van der Waals materials.About the Speaker: Dr. Haonan Ling is an assistant professor in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering department at UCF starting in Jan 2025. His research interest lies at the intersection of material science, applied physics, and optics and photonics. His PhD dissertation focuses on probing light-matter interactions in nano-structured layered van der Waals materials for advanced nanophotonic applications. He is the recipient of the Dimitris N. Chorafas Foundation Prize (2024) and Dissertation Year Fellowship at UCLA (2023).Virtual Location URL: https://ucf.zoom.us/j/93129384570?from=addon

Ethics and Emotion: Implications for the Professional Formation of Future Engineers Dr. Madeline Palmer • September 23, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. EasternThere is a growing recognition for the role of emotion in engineering education as it is embedded in students' responses to topics, experiences in the classroom, and interactions with peers. In tandem, emotion also relates to how people learn about ethics and engage in ethical design making. In this talk, Dr. Polmear will provide an overview of the intersection between emotion, ethics, and engineering education, including recent scholarship in this area and implications for the professional formation of future engineers.Dr. Madeline Palmer is a lecturer (assistant professor) in engineering education at King's College London. Her research relates to ethics, societal responsibility, and emotion in engineering education. She teaches introduction to engineering and design courses where she highlights sociotechnical integration in engineering. Madeline received her Ph.D. in civil engineering (University of Colorado, Boulder) and was previously awarded a Marie Sklodowska-Curie, EUTOPIA Cofund Fellowship at Vrije Universitiet Brussel, Belgium to study macroethiczal development among engineering students.Virtual Location URL: https://ucf.zoom.us/meeting/register/UyVWRXtHTkStg2jiPXO3yw Registration Link: https://ucf.zoom.us/meeting/register/UyVWRXtHTkStg2jiPXO3yw

This virtual event is sponsored by Orange County Government as part of the Florida SBDC at UCF's Orange County Strategic Series.Get Started with the Most Effective Advertising Tool for Local Businesses: Google AdsLearn how to use Google Ads to drive more revenue for your business.Whether you are considering Google Ads for your marketing or are currently managing an account, this is a can't miss session.Google Ads is a powerful, measurable advertising tool that should be in nearly every local business' marketing plan. See how to use it with less risk and more success.• Learn how Google ranks ads• Learn whether you are a candidate for the new automation in Google Ads• Learn how to reap the rewards of a properly structured Ads accountPresented by Google Partner and National Trainer Matt Weber, President, ROAR! Internet MarketingVirtual Location URL: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/grow-with-google-google-ads-webinar-5a1eVO8PnSL/overview Registration Link: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/grow-with-google-google-ads-webinar-5a1eVO8PnSL/overview

During the next several Wednesdays, CREOL faculty will present brief highlights of their research activities. The talks take place at noon in Room 103, with two professors each giving a 25-minute presentation.Attendance is mandatory for all first-semester Ph.D. students.SEPTEMBER 312:00: Ayman Abouraddy12:30: Christian HeideSEPTEMBER 10No presentationsSEPTEMBER 1712:00: Sean Pang12:30: Yannick SalaminSEPTEMBER 2412:00: Konstantin Vodopyanov12:30: Shin-Tson WuOCTOBER 112:00: Joshua Kaufman12:30: Kristopher DavisOCTOBER 812:00: Kyle Renshaw12:30: Peter DelfyettOCTOBER 1512:00: Eric Johnson12:30: Ivan DivlianskyOCTOBER 2212:00: Murat Yuskel12:30: Li FangOCTOBER 2912:00: Kyu Young Han12:30: Leland NordinNOVEMBER 512:00: TBD12:30: Midya PartoNOVEMBER 1212:00: Sasan Fathpour12:30: Debashis ChandaNOVEMBER 1912:00: Stephen Eikenberry12:30: TBD