Resume

• 2017

  Co-managing the session \"Biomedical Transducers for Imaging and Wearable Devices\" at the ASME IMECE 2017 conference

  ASME (The American Society of Mechanical Engineers)

  Co-managing the session of Sustainable Infrastructure & Transportation in the ASME Power and Energy 2017 conference

  ASME (The American Society of Mechanical Engineers)

  Research

  Mathematica

  Optics

  LabVIEW

  COMSOL

  Aerodynamics

  Semiconductors

  Problem Solving

  Microsoft Office

  Photonics

  Sensors

  Mechanical Engineering

  CFD

  Aerospace

  Mathematical Modeling

  Matlab

  Fluid Dynamics

  Fluid Mechanics

  Engineering

  Simulations

  Micro-scale Untethered Sensor for Temperature Measurements

  In this paper

  we present a novel micro-scale spherical laser for temperature measurements in fluid flow. The sensor relays on free space

  interrogation of the optical modes of a spherical particle. The particle is made by Norland Blocking Adhesive (NBA 107) and is doped with rhodamine 6G. When the particle is illuminated by an external source (in our case a frequency doubled pulsed Nd:YAG laser) the florescence that is emitted by the dye couples into the optical modes of the microparticle. The optical modes are observed by coupling the scattered light into a spectrometer. When a particle experiences a change in the temperature

  its optical modes shift due to thermal expansion and also due to a thermo-optical effect (change in the index of refraction with temperature). Thus

  small changes in the temperature can be measured by tracking the shift that is induced in the optical modes.

  Micro-scale Untethered Sensor for Temperature Measurements

  Dome shaped whispering gallery mode laser for remote wall temperature sensing

  In this paper

  we carried out experiments to investigate dome shaped micro-laser based on the whispering gallery modes (WGM) for remote wall temperature sensing. The dome shaped resonator was made of Norland Blocking adhesive (NBA 107) doped with a solution of rhodamine 6G and ethanol. Two different configurations are considered; (i) resonator placed on top of a thin layer of 10:1 polydimethylsiloxane (10:1 PDMS) and; (ii) resonator encapsulated in a thin layer of 10:1 PDMS. The microlaser was remotely pumped using a Q switch Nd:YAG laser with pulse repetition rate of 10Hz

  pulse linewidth of 10 ns and pulse energy of 100µJ/cm^2. The exited optical modes showed an average optical quality factor of 10^4 for both configurations. In addition

  the measurements showed sensitivity to temperature of 0.06nm/ºC and a resolution of 1 ºC for both configurations. This sensitivity was limited by the resolution of the experimental setup used in these studies.

  Dome shaped whispering gallery mode laser for remote wall temperature sensing

  Accepted 1 February 2017

  Temperature Compensation of Dye Doped Polymeric Microscale Lasers

  A NOVEL MICROLASER BASED PLASMONIC-POLYMER HYBRID RESONATOR

  In this paper

  we present a novel untethered micro-photonic sensor for wall pressure measurements. The sensor concept is based on the frequency shift of the emission spectrum of a whispering gallery mode (WGM) micro-laser. Any change in the morphology of the laser cavity induces a shift in its emission spectrum. In other words

  the laser cavity acts as a sensing element. The proposed prototype sensor consists of a thin polymeric slab with embedded micro-photonic spherical lasers with diameter less than 100 μm. The spherical micro-lasers are optically pumped via a remote laser or lamp. The emission spectrum from the micro-laser is recorded using a monochromator. Small changes in the external pressure acting on the polymeric sheet induce tiny changes in the morphology (WGM) of the laser cavity. Monitoring these WGM shifts for several micro-lasers in the sheet allows the distributed wall pressure on the sheet to be measured.

  A novel polymeric sheet with embedded micro optical resonant cavities for wall pressure measurements

  We report that micro-droplets can be used as sensors for fluid dynamics applications. These microscale droplets in liquid or solid form are made of polymers that are doped with dyes. These tiny droplets behave has micro-scale optical cavities that support optical modes. The optical modes are excited remotely using a Nd:YAG laser with pulse repetition of 10Hz. Here we report the fabrication of the droplets and their feasibility as untethered wall pressure and temperature sensors. When the droplets are exposed to variations of temperature or pressure their morphology (size and index of refraction) change. This in turn leads to a shift of the optical modes. The optical modes and therefore their shifts are monitored using an optical spectrometer.

  Dye doped micro-droplets as a sensor for fluid dynamics applications

  A Wireless Photonic Intraocular Pressure Sensor

  In this paper we study a novel untethered photonic wall pressure sensor that uses as sensing element a dome shaped micro-scale laser. Since the sensor does not require any optical or electrical cabling

  it allows measurements where cabling tends to be problematic. The micro-laser is made by a mixture Trimethylolpropan Tri(3-mercaptopropionate)

  commercial name THIOCURE and Polyethylene (glycol) Diacrylate (PEGDA) mixed with a solution of rhodamine 6G. Two different volume ratios between the THIOCURE and the PEGDA are studied

  since different ratios lead to different mechanical properties. In addition

  two different sensor configurations are presented: (i) sensor coupled to a membrane

  that allows differential wall pressure measurement and (ii) sensor without membrane that allows absolute wall pressure measurement. The sensitivity plots are presented in the paper for both sensor configurations and polymer ratios.

  An Untethered Photonic Sensor for Wall Pressure Measurement

  Analysis of a Poly(EthyleneGlycol)Diacrylate (PEGDA) Optical Sensor-Based Whispering Gallery Mode Shift Subjected to Shock Wave Impact

  In this paper

  we demonstrated multimode laser emission from a dome shaped micro-scale resonator encapsulated in a flexible polymer film. The resonator with a radius of ~60 microns was made of Norland Blocking Adhesive (NBA 107) doped with a solution of rhodamine 6G and ethanol. The dome was encapsulated in a flexible polymeric film made of polydymethylsiloxane (PDMS) with a thickness of 1 mm. The micro-scale laser was optically pumped using a frequency doubled Q-switch Nd:YAG laser with pulse repetition of 10 Hz and pulse duration of 9 ns. Experiments were carried out to investigate the lasing properties of this laser structure. The pumping threshold for multimode laser emission was below 100 µJ cm^−2. The average optical quality factor for all observed laser modes was of the order of 10^4. Using a fluence of 315.8 µJ cm^−2 it was observed that the intensity of the laser emission dropped by 62% after 5 min of operation. These results showed that these solid state flexible lasers are easy to fabricate and can be integrated into novel flexible photonic devices and novel photonic sensors.

  Dome shaped micro-laser encapsulated in a flexible film

  Demonstration of a Novel Micro-Photonic Wall Pressure Sensor

  Towards a Photonic Sensor based Brain-Computer Interface (BCI)

  In this paper

  we demonstrate a micro-optical wall pressure sensor concept based on the optical modes of dielectric resonators. The sensing element is a spherical micro-resonator with a diameter of a few hundred micrometers. A latex membrane that is flush mounted on the wall transmits the normal pressure to the sensing element. Changes in the wall pressure perturb the sphere's morphology

  leading to a shift in the optical modes. The wall pressure is measured by monitoring the shifts in the optical modes. Prototype sensors with polydimethylsiloxane micro-spheres are tested in a steady two-dimensional channel flow and in a plane wave acoustic tube. Results indicate sensor resolutions of ∼20 mPa and bandwidth of up to 2 kHz.

  A photonic wall pressure sensor for fluid mechanics applications

  Whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonators exhibit a high quality factor Q and a small mode volume; they usually exhibit high resolution when used as sensors. The light trapped inside a polymeric micro-cavity travels through total internal reflection generating the whispering gallery modes (WGMs). A laser or a lamp is used to power the microlaser by using a laser dye embedded within the resonator. The excited fluorescence of the dye couples with the optical modes. The optical modes (laser modes) are seen as sharp peaks in the emission spectrum with the aid of an optical interferometer. The position of these optical modes is sensitive to any change in the morphology of the resonator. However

  the laser threshold of these microlasers is of few hundreds of microjoules per square centimeter (fluence) usually. In addition

  the excitation wavelength’s light powering the device must be smaller than the microlasers size. When metallic nanoparticles are added to the microlaser

  the excited surface plasmon couples with the emission spectrum of the laser dye. Therefore

  the fluorescence of the dye can be enhanced by this coupling; this in turn

  lowers the power threshold of the microlaser. Also

  due to a plasmonic effect

  it is possible to use smaller microlasers. In addition

  a new sensing modality is enabled based on the variation of the optical modes’ amplitude with the change in the morphology’s microlaser. This opens a new avenue of low power consumption microlasers and photonics multiplexed biosensors.

  A NOVEL MICROLASER BASED PLASMONIC-POLYMER HYBRID RESONATOR FOR MULTIPLEXED BIOSENSING APPLICATIONS

  In this paper

  we carry out numerical experiments to study and optimize the design of an untethered flexible wall pressure sensor. The sensing element is a micro-scale spherical dye- doped polymer that is embedded in a thin polymeric slab. When the spherical dye-doped polymer is optically pumped the morphology dependent resonances (MDR) are observed through the scattered light. These resonances are very sensitive to any perturbation of the morphology of the resonator. Thus small changes in the amplitude of the external pressure acting on the polymeric slab induce change in the morphology of the micro-scale laser leading to a shift in the position of the optical resonances. This in turn is related to the applied external pressure. By tracking the shift of the MDRs the wall pressure acting on the polymeric slab can be measured. Here we present the results of some numerical experiments to investigate the effect of geometry

  size and materials on the performance of the sensor such as sensitivity and resolution. Also preliminary experiments are presented to demonstrate the MDR shift induced by an external constant pressure.

  Analysis of an Untethered Micro-Photonic Wall Pressure Sensor

  Emission Spectrum Denoising Algorithm for Microlasers-Based Neurotransducers

  accepted

  Emission Spectrum Denoising Algorithm for Microlasers-Based Neurotransducers

  Neurotransducers Based Voltage Sensitive Dye-Doped Microlasers

  We present analytical and computational studies of the performance of a novel untethered micro-optical pressure sensor for fluid dynamics measurements. In particular

  resolution and dynamic range will be presented. The sensor concept is based on the whispering galley mode (WGM) shifts that are observed in micro-scale dielectric optical cavities. A micro-spherical optical cavity (liquid or solid) is embedded in a thin polymeric sheet. The applied external pressure perturbs the morphology of the optical cavity leading to a shift in its optical resonances. The optical sensors are interrogated remotely

  by embedding quantum dots or fluorescent dye in the micro-optical cavity. This allows a free space coupling of excitation and monitoring of the optical modes without the need of optical fibers or other cabling. With appropriate excitation and monitoring equipment

  the micro-scale sensors can be distributed over a surface (e.g.

  including flexible biological surfaces) to monitor the local pressure field.

  Performance of an untethered micro-optical pressure sensor

  7+ years of experience in the design and manufacture of micro optical devices for sensing applications. \n\nStrong problem solving skills including modeling and simulations (mathematical and numerical

  such as FEM); analytical ability and technical comprehension. \n\nAbility to reduce ideas and concepts to practice through identification of applicable technologies and the development of prototypes. \n\nAbility to design experimental protocols and perform experimental studies to meet project goals and suggest follow-up experiments where necessary

  proven track record in the use of Design of Experiments (DOE) methodology.\n\nAbility to lead the research needed for a variety of R&D projects and create research reports with key findings.\n\nAbility to develop test methods for verification and validation

  perform tests and document results as needed.\n\nAbility to multi-task

  prioritize work and perform under pressure in a fast paced

  dynamic environment.\n\nFast learning and adaptability skills.\n\nHigh level of interpersonal skills to work independently and effectively with others in a cross functional organization.\n\nAbility to provide leadership and mentorship within the team.

  Maurizio

  Manzo

  Southern Methodist University

  Southern Methodist University

  Southern Methodist University

  Geolab s.r.l

  Texas A&M University-Kingsville

  Erre Group SRL

  University of North Texas

  -developed a tethered photonic wall pressure sensor\n-performed fluid dynamics measurements in a laminar flow field \n

  Visiting Research Scholar

  Dallas/Fort Worth Area

  Southern Methodist University

  dallas/fort worth area

  -designed and manufactured untethered micro-photonic sensors based on morphology \ndependent resonances (pressure sensors

  shear stress sensors

  temperature sensors

  force sensors)\n-conducted fluid dynamics experiments\n-mentored undergraduate and high school students\n-evaluated laboratory equipments and prepared purchase orders\n

  Research Assistant at Microsystems research lab.

  Southern Methodist University

  *Teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in the department of mechanical and industrial engineering\n\nGraduate\n¥\tMEEN 5337\t(Summer 2017)\t Engineering Analysis in Appl. Mechanics\n¥\tMEEN 5326\t(Spring 2017)\t Control Systems Engineering\n¥\tMEEN 5337\t(Spring 2017)\t Engineering Analysis in Appl. Mechanics\n¥\tMEEN 5314\t(Spring 2017)\t Finite Element Methods in Engineering \n¥\tMEEN 5330\t(Fall 2016)\t Continuum Mechanics (2 sections) \n¥\tMEEN 5330\t(Summer 2016) Continuum Mechanics \n¥\tMEEN 5314\t(Spring 2016)\t Finite Element Methods in Engineering \n¥\tIEEN 5332 \t(Spring 2016)\t Manufacturing System Design\n\nUndergraduate\n¥\tMEEN 3348\t(Summer 2017) Heat Transfer\n¥\tMEEN 3352\t(Spring 2017) Kinematics of Machines\n¥\tMEEN 1310\t(Fall 2016)\t Engineering Graphic I (Lectures and Lab)\n¥\tMEEN 3352\t(Fall 2016)\t\t Kinematics of Machines \n¥\tMEEN 4345\t(Summer 2016) Engineering Vibrations (independent study)\n¥\tMEEN 3352\t(Spring 2016) Kinematics of Machines \n¥\tMEEN 4345\t(Spring 2016)\t\tEngineering Vibrations\n\n*Undergraduate students adviser

  Texas A&M University-Kingsville

  Southern Methodist University

  Dallas/Fort Worth Area

  -worked in a Laboratory enviroment helping the principal investigator preparing and conducting experiments for proposals submission\n-analyzed and prepared written reports about experimental data

  Visiting Research Scholar

  Teaching: \nMEET 3940 - Fluid Mechanics Applications\nMEET 3650 - Mechanical Components Design\nResearch:\nFounder and Director of the Photonics Micro-Devices Fabrication Laboratory (sensors' development

  instrumentation and flow control

  and biomedical micro-devices)

  University of North Texas

  Geolab s.r.l

  -worked on destructive testing for steels and concrete\n-prepared test reports

  Intern

  Palermo Area

  Italy

  -dimensioned a solar power plant \n

  Intern

  Palermo Area

  Italy

  Erre Group SRL

  ASME

  member

  English

  Italian

  Dean’s Departmental Award

  Research day 2014\nPoster Title: : Untethered micro-scale whispering gallery mode based devices for mechanical engineering applications

  Southern Methodist University

• 2012

  Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

  Mechanical Engineering

  Southern Methodist University

  Optics/Spectroscopy

  Transport phenomena in porous media

  Vibrations

  Fluid Dynamics

  Convection heat transfer

  Solid Mechanics

  Gas Dynamics and jet propulsion design

• 2009

  Master's degree

  Thesis Title: \nWhispering Gallery Mode: developing and testing an optical pressure sensor\nPrincipal courses: Aircraft project

  Structures dynamics

  Aerospace materials

  Flight dynamics

  Health monitoring structure

  Aerospace

  Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering

  Università degli Studi di Palermo

  110 cum laude

• 2004

  Bachelor's degree

  Thesis Title: Forced vibration of a magneto-electro-elastic beam\nPrincipal courses: Aerodynamics

  Air transport

  Aerospace constructions

  Aircraft engines

  Aircraft plans

  Aerospace

  Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering

  Università degli Studi di Palermo

  110 cum laude