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Solid State Spark Chamber for Ionizing Radiation Detection
The objective of the research is to explore a novel solid-state radiation detector that operates similarly to a conventional spark chamber where the high internal gain amplifies weak signals generated by ionizing radiation.
Uncooled Terahertz Camera for Imaging beyond Infrared
The aim of the research program is to develop highly sensitive, uncooled, real time terahertz (THz) camera with multispectral capability using micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) bi-material technology.
Carbon Nanotube-Based Micro Ion Thrusters
Utilizing extremely small tips of nanotubes and nano fibers to enable very high localized electric fields. These electric fields are used to ionize the propellant gas at much lower power requirements. All of these enable miniaturization of systems.
Fly’s Ear Bio-inspired MEMS Directional Sound Sensor
The research program focuses on development of an acoustic direction finding (DF) system for localizing sound sources based on the ears of the fly Ormia ochracea.
Nuclear Detection
Research involves technologies for detection and analysis of nuclear materials including laser ionization/mass spectrometry and passive radiation detection for non-proliferation and other purposes; and the development of compact advanced nuclear reactors.
Underwater Autonomous Vehicle Research
The use of unmanned, autonomous vehicles is of significant interest to the US Navy and DoD. Autonomous vehicles (those capable of performing pre-assigned tasks independent of human interaction) are playing an important role in the development of future systems and Naval operations.
Metamaterials for CDEW (Counter Directed Energy Weapons)
Design and production of narrow-band and broad-band metamaterials to be used for shielding against directed energy weapons. These metamaterials are built on solid or flexible substrates.
Metalloid clusters for energetic materials
We are using atomistic scale simulations to understand the stability and reactivity of metal and metalloid clusters for next-generation propellants and explosives. Thesis projects include simulations at a range of scales, from DFT and genetic algorithm development up to coarse-grained Monte Carlo techniques.
Microfabrication of MEMS THz imaging Focal Plane Arrays
Using micro fabrication processing to produce MEMS-based bimaterial focal plane arrays (FPA) for Thz imaging. Each detector pixel features resonant metamaterial absorber and sections of bimaterial legs that deform when detectors absorb Thz radiation. Absorbers are optimized for the frequency of quantum cascade lasers used for external illumination.
Piezoelectric MEMS Vibrational Energy Harvesters
Design, building and characterization of arrays of MEMS resonators that utilize piezoelectric effect to harvest waste vibrational energy from engines, fossil fuel powered generators and other vibrating structures.