Scott McEldowney

Taking the vector vortex coronagraph to the next level for ground- and space-based exoplanet imaging instruments: review of technology developments in the USA, Japan, and Europe

The Vector Vortex Coronagraph (VVC) is one of the most attractive new-generation coronagraphs for ground- and space-based exoplanet imaging/characterization instruments, as recently demonstrated on sky at Palomar and in the laboratory at JPL, and Hokkaido University. Manufacturing technologies for devices covering wavelength ranges from the optical to the mid-infrared, have been maturing quickly. We will review the current status of technology developments supported by NASA in the USA (Jet Propulsion Laboratory-California Institute of Technology, University of Arizona, JDSU and BEAMCo), Europe (University of Li`ege, Observatoire de Paris- Meudon, University of Uppsala) and Japan (Hokkaido University, and Photonics Lattice Inc.), using liquid crystal polymers, subwavelength gratings, and photonics crystals, respectively. We will then browse concrete perspectives for the use of the VVC on upcoming ground-based facilities with or without (extreme) adaptive optics, extremely large ground-based telescopes, and space-based internal coronagraphs.

Miniature spectrometer based on linear variable interference filters

A novel spectrometer device using a single monolithic optical component and a detector array has been developed. The device is compact, rugged, and has good spectral purity and resolving power. The device size is 1.4 X 1.4 X 0.6 inches. Current designs work both in the visual and near infrared. Potential applications are manufacturing control, agricultural screening, medical instrumentation, and color measurement.

The Kinect Story

Kinect is a state-of-the-art depth, video, and audio sensor that allows individuals to naturally interact with devices. This presentation summarizes Kinect development focusing on challenges involved in transition from technology to product. Biography (100 word limit): Scott McEldowney is a principal engineer at Microsoft Corporation. He has been at Microsoft for 3 years all working on the development of Natural User Interface technologies based on gesture recognition. Prior to Microsoft, Scott worked for 18 years in the Advanced Optical Technology division of JDSU developing optical components sub-systems for consumer electronics, medical instrumentation, and aerospace. Scott holds a MS degree in Mechanical Engineering and PhD in Optical Sciences.