Award Data

Phase I of this effort involves the creation of a comprehensive end-to-end model of a novel holographic polarimeter.The polarimeter that can be constructed based on our model will be able to determine the full polarization properties (Mueller matrix elements) of scattering, reflecting and absorbing media as a function of the materials depth.Unlike previous attempts, this system will be a real-time ...

Previous research indicates the digital holography (DH) methods when combined with model-based iterative reconstruction can solve the challenging problems posed by the need to image through deep turbulence real time. In this Phase I STTR research, we propose to analyze and design a high-performance computing system and associated Deep-turbulence Estimator for Anisoplanatic Propogation (DEAP) algor ...

The Air Force needs tunable laser systems with high average power in the mid-infrared region of the spectrum for military applications including defense against heat-seeking missiles.Currently-fieldedlaser systems, based on nonlinear frequency conversion in periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN), have limited optical power at wavelengths between 4 m and 5 m because of intrinsic absorption in th ...

ColdQuanta, in partnership with Dr. Zoya Popovic at the University of Colorado at Boulder, proposes to develop a three-dimensional quantum-enhanced radio-frequency (RF) signal sensor and direction finder. Our approach combines Rydberg-atom-based RF electrometry and discrete lens arrays (DLAs) of planar antennas. The DLA will serve as a Fourier optic for an incident wave, and a Rydberg-atom RF elec ...

The Biomagnetics Micro Dosimetry System (BMDS) program will design, model, and simulate a microdosimetry system that can measure and create a three dimensional map of weak radiofrequency signals in biological organisms. The heart of the BMDS project is the front end called a Quinc, that delivers very sensitive, broad band measurements with high spatial resolution.The Quinc based front end is a val ...

Design analysis of parachute recovery systems has relied on a combination of core design principles, historical empirical data, and extensive testing for decades. Parachute motion involves complex phenomena involving porous bluff-body aerodynamics and highly deformable cloth. The proposed project is a plugin for the DoD CREATE-AV Kestrel simulation suite that will enable high-fidelity simulations ...

Metasurfaces are a fascinating new direction for producing small form factor optical elements that can be directly integrated with a variety of sensors and illumination sources. Metasurfaces have received extensive attention for their potential applications in imaging optics as they enable significantly more compact camera modules with enhanced functionality and because the unit processes to creat ...

Modern Directed Energy (DE) missions require target engagements at low elevation angles and long ranges.These engagement geometries require propagation through distributed-volume turbulence. To correct for distributed-volume turbulence effects, an estimation of the turbulence along the propagation path is required. Correcting for these image aberrations will improve the quality of the target image ...

Nutronics, Inc. and Montana State University propose to develop a method for characterization of the full Mueller matrix for reflective scattering from a test object. The Complex Object Reflectance Characterization System (CORCS) will initially be designed for laboratory use and characterization of test objects by active imaging to measure both the Mueller Matrix and the target depth associated wi ...

The introduction of computer vision in precision-guided ammunition will potentially increase their targeting capabilities, in particular for moving targets such as tanks, vehicles and mobile command posts. EO/IR cameras offer a relatively inexpensive, low-SWaP payload solution which, combined with latest advances in SIMD hardware (GPUs), are finally starting to allow running sophisticated visual g ...