Plenary Lecture

Computational Design of Optical Fibers with Desirable Consumer Characteristics

Professor Les M. Sztandera

Based on research project with Xi Chen and Hugh Cartwright

Computer Information Systems,
Philadelphia University,
Philadelphia, PA 19144,
U.S.A.

Phone: +12159515356,
Fax: +12159512652,

Email: SztanderaL@PhilaU.edu

Abstract: Taking advantage of techniques from the field of Artificial Intelligence, the goal of our research is to construct systems that can computationally design polymer optical fiber formulations with specified desirable consumer characteristics. Polymers can offer cost effective and easily handled and installed optical components provided that materials are found that possess the necessary optical properties and reliability, so as not to be a barrier to commercial insertion. In this research we are focusing on two of the parameters, glass transition temperature and refractive index that influence a desired outcome in polymer optical fibers. Previous research indicated that performance can be optimized by engineering a polymer that exhibits a lower refractive index and glass transition temperature.

Brief Biography of the Speaker:
Les M. Sztandera is a Professor of Computer Information Systems at Philadelphia University and served as Distinguished Fulbright FLAD Chair in Information Systems. He earned an MS from University of Missouri, MO, and a PhD from the University of Toledo, OH. His research interests focus on computational intelligence, while teaching areas encompass information systems, data mining and decision support systems. He has been involved in a variety of research activities.