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Innovator Spotlight: Dr. Shin-Tson Wu — From 2014 Inductee to UCF’s Inaugural Medal of Societal Impact
Celebrating the Groundbreakers: Inaugural Class of The Florida Inventors Hall of Fame (2014)
March 29, 2024
By Lauren Parker
In our ongoing quest to celebrate the groundbreakers of the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame, we are honored to turn the spotlight to one of our 2014 inaugural inductees, Dr. Shin-Tson Wu. Dr. Wu was inducted into the Hall of Fame for his remarkable work in liquid crystal research and his resulting patent portfolio for next-generation liquid crystal displays (LCDs), adaptive optics, laser beam steering, and new photonic materials, all of which have had a significant impact on display technology worldwide. Perhaps his most significant development to date is the mixed-mode twisted nematic LC cell, which is integral to high-resolution, high-brightness reflective LCDs, including direct-view and projection types. In other words, the screen you’re most likely using to read this article contains Dr. Wu’s groundbreaking contribution, the LCD.
Celebrating Innovation: Dr. Shin-Tson Wu’s Journey Unveiled
Dr. Wu’s odyssey in the domains of optics and photonics stands as a testament to the profound influence of innovation on our society. Beyond being a prolific inventor, Dr. Wu holds a distinguished position as a Trustee Chair professor at UCF CREOL, The College of Optics and Photonics. Renowned globally as one of the top 25 universities for optics education and research, UCF CREOL has been the nurturing ground for Dr. Shin-Tson Wu’s brilliance. Remarkably, Dr. Wu has also mentored and graduated 43 PhD students from CREOL, further solidifying his legacy as an influential educator and researcher.
Revolutionary Invention Recognition:
Dr. Wu’s string of accolades has been nothing short of impressive since his induction into the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame in 2014. Over the past decade, he’s garnered prestigious honors such as the 2022 Academician of Academia Sinica (National Academy of Taiwan), the 2022 Edwin H. Land Medal from Optica (formerly OSA) and the Society for Imaging Science and Technology (IS&T), and the 2022 SPIE Maria Goeppert-Mayer Award in Photonics. Adding to his illustrious collection, the University of Central Florida recently elected Dr. Wu as the inaugural recipient of the Medal for Societal Impact in 2024. This latest recognition acknowledges the groundbreaking research Dr. Wu has undertaken, shedding light on his profound impact.
An Interview with Dr. Wu:
We were fortunate to engage in a conversation with Dr. Shin-Tson Wu, an inventor much like Thomas Edison, who is also a member of the inaugural class of inductees for the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame. Our interview with Dr. Wu left us fascinated and inspired by his innovation odyssey. Reminiscing about his academic years, Dr. Wu painted a vivid picture of his passion for optics, which was sparked during his undergraduate days. “I really enjoyed learning optics in my undergraduate program,” he reminisced. “I was also curious in my high school years.” It was during his college years, with the guidance of a visiting professor from UCLA, that Dr. Wu’s interest in optics was ignited. “Optics is really fascinating,” he recalled thinking. Thus began his journey into the world of lasers and optical research.
Revolutionizing Display Technology: The Liquid Crystal Breakthrough
Among Dr. Wu’s many inventions, one that stands out is his pioneering work on reflective liquid crystal displays. “This is what we call the liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS),” he explained, showcasing a small screen device. His invention created two new commercial products: 1) direct-view reflective displays and 2) high-brightness projection displays. The former utilizes ambient light. “It’s natural light,” Dr. Wu emphasized, highlighting the benefits for eye health, particularly for children. The latter has been widely used in augmented reality (AR) headsets, such as Google Glass®, Microsoft HoloLens®, and Magic Leap™ AR glasses.
From Lab to Industry: Bridging the Gap
Dr. Wu’s impact extends beyond the realm of academia, as he emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between research and product development. “In the university or in the research lab, we can only demonstrate the concept,” he noted. “But to push further, we need industry to take over.” Dr. Wu expressed gratitude for his students, who play a crucial role in translating concepts into real-world applications, shaping industries with product inventions from companies such as Apple® and Meta®. Fifteen of his former students are now working with Apple®, ten with Meta®, and several others are contributing to companies like Google®. As a relentless innovator, Dr. Wu continues to push the boundaries of what is possible. “We recently filed two more provisional patents,” he shared eagerly. His latest inventions focus on making AR glasses more compact and energy-efficient, paving the way for a future where wearable technology, such as metaverse, spatial computing and digital twins, seamlessly integrates into our daily lives.
Gratitude and Humility: Receiving the Medal of Societal Impact
Reflecting on his recent recognition, Dr. Wu expressed humility and gratitude, admitting, “I was surprised,” upon receiving the news of the Medal of Societal Impact from the University of Central Florida. Despite his numerous achievements, Dr. Wu remains grounded, acknowledging the diverse contributions that shape society. When we asked him about advice he gives for aspiring inventors eager to follow in his footsteps, Dr. Wu responded with characteristic humility, stating, “Oh, I think they can do better, right? You know, everyone has different talents, different gifts. Not everyone may be key inventors, but they can still make a contribution to humankind.” Emphasizing the importance of creativity and mutual inspiration, he continued, “But yes, being an inventor, we need to be creative. And of course, we learn from each other, right? We inspire each other.” Dr. Wu highlighted the collaborative nature of scientific progress, noting, “Most scientists attend conferences to learn from and inspire each other. Most inventions are evolutionary, step by step. Some are revolutionary. So even if it’s evolutionary, it’s still impactful.” He underscored the iterative nature of innovation, adding, “We improve step by step. But until someone comes in and they have a revolutionary idea, then we build on top of that revolutionary invention. We just keep improving or optimizing the concept or devices.”
As we stand in awe of Dr. Shin-Tson Wu’s remarkable achievements, we’re humbled by the collaborative spirit that defines his journey. From the inception of the liquid crystal display (LCD), a cornerstone of modern technology, to his latest strides in wearable AR glasses, Dr. Wu’s innovations have reshaped the landscape of our world. Just as the LCD revolutionized display technology, Dr. Wu’s unwavering commitment to teamwork has illuminated paths previously uncharted, inspiring countless inventors to dream bigger and reach higher. His journey is a testament to the power of humility, dedication, and the collective effort of many. So, as we offer our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Wu, let’s not only celebrate his past triumphs but also embrace the humility that underscores his collaborative approach. Together, let’s continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, guided by the light of Dr. Shin-Tson Wu’s groundbreaking legacy.
