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Remote Sensing
Research for the last decade has used airborne and satellite remote sensing systems for problems of naval interest, primarily in the broad areas of target detection. Much of the work has included a significant ASW component, with submarines as the target of interest.
Work with visible and thermal sensors has generally included a significant spectral component. Since 1999, civilian high-resolution satellites (IKONOS and Quickbird) have provided much of the data used for our research. Recent work has included environmental studies of coral reefs.
Remote Sensing Center at NPS |
Photoresponse in two IR Bands
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Dual-band Quantum well IR Sensors
The targeting and seeking of laser-guided weapons are typically achieved with the help of two different detectors for sensing laser and infrared signals. This requires additional processing steps before being presented to the user. The use of two sensor platforms is mainly due the inability of conventional detector materials to cover both near and mid infrared regions.
Infrared detectors based on intersubband transition in quantum wells are emerging as an alternative technology to current detectors based on bulk semiconductors and also provides advantages of material selection and mature processing technology. The quantum well structures provide an unique opportunity to fabricate dual-band sensors using interband (as in bulk) and intersubband transitions.
The laser light is detected by excitations of electrons in the valence band to the conduction band while the infrared is sensed using intersubband transition between quantized states in the conduction band. The measured photoresponse of such a sensor fabricated using quantum wells shows the expected detection in the two spectral bands. |
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Quantitative mapping of turbulence
Measurements and modeling of Optical Turbulence is in support of surveillance, imaging, and high energy laser programs. Atmospheric turbulence reduces the ability to detect, engage, and defeat a target. NPS provides measurements, modeling, and assessment to a joint effort that is developing the national technical means to mitigate these effects. Results were presented by the program manager to Dr. Hans Mark, OUSDRE in 2000. |
