Computational and Information Sciences Directorate Research Areas

Intelligent Atmospheric Optical Systems

Advisor: JJ Liu (Jony.Liu@us.army.mil, 301-394-1442)
Adelphi, Maryland

Key words: Atmospheric sensing, turbulence, Adaptive optics, optical communication, imaging and image processing.

This research is to explore and develop the state-of-the-art innovative technologies for free-space optical sensing, communications, imaging, and mitigation of atmospheric turbulence effects using intelligent optics elements and systems. Research focus areas are:

• Understand the atmospheric turbulence induced random variations in the propagation medium refractive index and impact on military optical system performance.
• Atmospheric modeling and advanced numeric simulation techniques based on state-of-the-art computer technology. Develop techniques for mitigation of turbulence effects using intelligent optics elements and systems.
• Active/adaptive multi-gigabit rates free-space laser communications for high-resolution (high-definition) video information relay with atmospheric turbulence compensation.
• Innovative atmospheric sensing, characterization, and evaluation techniques including complex-field sensors capable for operation in deep turbulence conditions (long-range and slant propagation paths).
• Active and passive imaging techniques and on-the-fly  image processing algorithms that result in dramatic enhancement of image quality in severe atmospheric conditions.
• New generation of intelligent (active/adaptive) laser tracking and high-precision beam pointing systems that are resilient to atmospheric effects.
• Conformal optical systems based on an array of adaptive laser beam transceiver elements for directed energy, remote sensing and laser communication applications.

New generation of optical systems for efficient high-energy laser beam projection and delivery.