Optical Systems and Technology
RESEARCH FACULTY
Optics began with visible light, because the only detector was the human eye. The sources of light were the sun, stars, and candles. The main optical material was glass, and systems, such as telescopes, were simple.
(Courtesy of G. Gimmestad)
Today, optical systems and optical technology span the spectrum from the ultraviolet to the far infrared. Research areas include sources (such as lasers and LEDs), detectors, materials, and electro-optical systems that are developed to meet specific needs. Advances in electro-optics have enabled much of the ubiquitous technology that defines a modern society, including devices for entertainment, communication, and medicine.
(Courtesy of G. Gimmestad)
Much of Georgia Tech's optical systems work is related to sensors and sensing systems, with many applications: atmospheric characterization for visibility and air quality, hazard detection for transportation safety, detection of chemical and biological hazards, threat detection for military and security purposes, environmental monitoring, process analysis, biomedical diagnostics, and other applications involving lasers and imaging systems. Advanced imaging sensors incorporate multi-spectral, hyperspectral, and/or polarimetric technologies.
Extensive research programs and capabilities are in place in infrared technology and in atmospheric laser radar (LIDAR), along with modeling and simulation software to predict the performance of electro-optical sensing systems in various scenarios. Optical sensor work has expanded in recent years, and that expansion is expected to continue due to an increased emphasis on situational awareness. Advanced techniques for image interpretation and processing are also being developed to make full use of new sensor capabilities.
(Courtesy of B. Mizaikoff)
Optical Systems and Technology offers many new research opportunities in sensor technology and image interpretation, along with opportunities to simulate, model, and test new technologies. Furthermore, optical chemical sensor and biosensor concepts along with novel molecular recognition chemistries are being developed.
Among the major units working in this area at Georgia Tech are the Electro-Optical Systems Laboratory in the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) and the Applied Sensors Laboratory in the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
