Our research focuses on the following:

(1) Imaging laser radar at eye-safe wavelengths. This area includes both transmitter and receiver technology. The objective is to develop laser-based systems capable of gathering multidimensional images, where the dimensions can include spatial, spectral, polarization, and vibrational characteristics. Transmitters with agile wavelength capability in excess of 1400 nm and with waveform agility are desirable. Such transmitters can be used for multiple imaging modes. Highly sensitive receivers in this wavelength region are also desired. Full waveform reception and processing are of interest.

(2) Sparse aperture imaging laser radar. Many Air Force applications require forming a high resolution image at extended range from the object of interest, sometimes beyond the diffraction limit imposed by the optical aperture. The objective of this work is to investigate sparse, distributed apertures with a large baseline as a means to achieve high resolution without the associated issues of a large single aperture. Techniques to phase multiple apertures (physically or in post-detection processing) and to compensate for the effects of sparse apertures on image quality are being pursued.

(3) Agile optical apertures. We are investigating the development of nonmechanical apertures capable of steering optical radiation over large angles with high resolution. Techniques include liquid crystal phased arrays, micro-mirror array spatial light modulators, and cascaded microlens arrays. In addition, beam shaping and adaptation for enhanced detection and recognition is being investigated. Since we would like the apertures to be common for both active and passive systems, it is desired that they operate with both laser and thermal radiation.

(4) Novel optical sensing. Imaging and non-imaging techniques suitable for detecting, characterizing, and tracking small objects (limited spatial sampling/resolution) are being investigated. Examples include polarimetric imaging and measurement of speckle patterns.

 

key words

Electro-optical imaging; Laser radar; Optical phased arrays; Polarimetric imaging; Speckle remote sensing;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral and Senior applicants