Aug 5 2010
National Security Solutions provider, Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, announced that its WSS Division’s Sensors & Space Systems group has secured a new contract for R&D (research and development) on Office of Naval Research’s flexible membrane optical mirrors.
The Sensors & Space Systems group primarily focuses on emerging technologies to serve the needs of war fighters in spectroscopic and imaging sensors, and conducts research and development to enhance airborne and ground sensors. The group will collaborate with NeXolve and Advanced Optical Systems to conduct the research program.
The program’s objective is to alter the shape of the optical mirrors using electrical signals. This methodology will enable optical designers to adjust the optical system’s zoom and focus level without any moving mechanisms.
The research program’s Principal Investigator and Group Director, Dr. Greg A. Finney, stated that the success of the optical mirror technology will significantly minimize the complexity and cost of optical sensors. He expects that the new technique will allow dynamic adjustments of the zoom level and simultaneous multi-target tracking.
Source: http://www.kratosdefense.com