Army research : Sensors

Electro-Optic Sensors

Lasers/Sources:
Develop high performance solid state lasers and sources in the infrared (IR) (that are scalable to high energy) for use in display devices and that are suitable for photonic devices through the exploitation of quantum engineering, advanced thermal management, novel architectures, organics, and beam combining.
Detectors:
Develop high performance imaging and first alert detectors and detector arrays from the ultraviolet to the IR spectral regions to detect and identify environmental features, targets, and hazardous materials. Development of these detectors is carried out through the use of molecular beam epitaxial growth techniques.
Photonic Devices:
Develop high performance, low-cost photonic devices that interface electronics and electro-optics on integrated platforms for radio frequency control and high speed data communications. In addition, optical solutions for protection from agile laser threats on the battlefield are being developed.
Imaging Integration:
Improve the Army’s capability to detect, identify, and engage targets, especially those that are difficult to detect, through the integration of electro-optic components. Research efforts include passive multi- and hyper-spectral IR target and background phenomenology; low-cost, compact, staring, high-resolution laser radars; and low-cost, lightweight, compact, rugged, flexible displays for in-the-field image display.
Advanced Concepts/Nanotechnology:
Includes investigation of biotechnology for soldier applications. In particular, nanotechnology for sensor and electronic applications is being explored.

Advanced Radio Frequency (RF) Technologies

Materials and Structures:
Harness the fundamental science and technology of materials and devices in the micro- and nanoscale to enable and enhance emerging critical electronics and sensor devices for Army applications.
Remote Sensing Research:
Develop and exercise a suite of electromagnetic models and synthetic aperture radar simulation tools to characterize and explain underlying target and clutter scattering behavior in the context of future RF systems and architectures.
RF Sensors:
Utilize core strengths in modeling, simulation, testbed development, field test expertise, and algorithm development to conceive of and prove out new battlefield capabilities (e.g., mine detection, concealed object detection, rapid and reliable MTI, active protection, etc.). Utilize modeling/simulations and precision testbeds to gain insight (at low cost) into what capability is achievable at what cost.
RF Devices and Components:
Provide RF components with improved performance to enhance situational awareness and develop embedded, conformal low frequency radiators. Reduce aperture and array losses by exploiting designs that reduce conduction currents and utilize unique dielectric materials. Work closely with customers and industry to provide transition opportunities. Prognostics and Diagnostics: Develop embedded diagnostics sensors and on-board prognostics capabilities to monitor system health with a modular design for an extensible solution. Provide remote system access to query system health for estimations to commanders and logisticians. Transition to Non-Line-of-Sight Launch System (NLOS-LS) Spiral 2, Mid Range Munition (MRM), Precision Guided Mortar Munitions (PGMM), and Excalibur.

Autonomous Sensing

Image Understanding:
Provide basic and applied image processing algorithms for target detection, anomaly detection, moving target detection, etc. The primary focus is on basic image understanding.
Acoustic Sensing:
Develop acoustic sensor arrays and sensor networks to detect, classify, localize, and track continuous and impulsive sources. Demonstrate “real” value of acoustic sensors as robust stand-alone and complementary sensors.
Magnetic Sensing:
Provide very low-cost sensing modalities, orthogonal with other sensors, to provide the warfighter with the ability to detect and identify targets in a variety of conditions and environments through the development of low-cost, small, magnetic and e-field devices and capabilities to detect targets of military significance.
Sensor Integration:
Seek implement the full range of sensing modalities in sensor systems and provide transition opportunities for ARL sensing technologies. There is a strong focus on transitioning technologies. In particular, the capability of rapid implementation of sensor concepts into demonstrable prototypes is being pursued.

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