Dean's Innovation Challenge: Researching the Marketability of Tunable Fourier Transform Spectropolarimeter in Southern Arizona

Abstract

Through various primary and secondary research methods, a University of Arizona technology from the Optics Department was analyzed in terms of new venture viability and sustainability in Southern Arizona. Tunable Fourier Transform Spectropolarimeter (TFTS) has applications in military, biology and astronomy by using polarization to distinguish different objects such as cancer cells. The technology measures details of how an object within an image can change the polarization of light compared to how other object in that same image changes the polarization. Innovative aspects of the technology include tenability, achromaticity and the bandwidth size. The technology however only worked in a laboratory setting and further development was ceased due to lack of funding and interest from outside investor groups. Primary data sources included the inventor (Dr. Dereniak), the lead optics licensor (Amy Phillips), cancer center employees (Dr. Bartels, Mr. Yozwiak), and patent application. Secondary sources included, but not limited to, informational databases, medical journals, optical journals, office of technology transfer, and small business innovation research. Based on information gathered and consulting work, two recommendations were presented to increase the likelihood of the University benefiting from innovation: * Addition of an Innovation Fund to yearly Tucson conference called Idea Funding. Innovation Fund is a $50,000 prize for the most promising technology based on detailed criteria. Along with the prize, remaining competitors would receive needed exposure to increase funding possibility. * Creation of a research funding position at the Office of Technology Transfer. It would be the duty of this employee to research and aid in the grant application process for all of the technologies at the OTT.