Colin McLaughlin

Title: Colin McLaughlin: Innovator in Optical Technology

Introduction

Colin McLaughlin is a notable inventor based in West River, Maryland, who has made significant contributions to the field of optical technology. His innovative work focuses on enhancing the capabilities of fiber optic systems, particularly through the use of liquid metal.

Latest Patents

Colin McLaughlin holds a patent for a "Reconfigurable liquid metal fiber optic mirror." This invention features a true time delay system for optical signals, which includes a hollow core optical waveguide and a droplet of reflective liquid metal. The actuator coupled to the waveguide allows for the movement of the droplet within the hollow core. This design enables the fiber optic device to provide a continuously-variable optical path length of over 3.6 meters, corresponding to a true-time delay of over 12 nanoseconds, with minimal wavelength dependence across the C and L bands.

Career Highlights

Colin McLaughlin is currently employed by the United States Navy, where he contributes his expertise in optical technologies. His work has been instrumental in advancing the capabilities of fiber optic systems, making them more efficient and versatile.

Collaborations

Colin has collaborated with notable colleagues such as Ross Schermer and Carl A Villarruel, further enhancing the innovative work being done in his field.

Conclusion

Colin McLaughlin's contributions to optical technology through his innovative patents and collaborations highlight his role as a key figure in advancing fiber optic systems. His work continues to influence the field and pave the way for future advancements.