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The aim of the electro-optic systems
theme of this research programme is to provide technology
solutions for improved sensors in terms of performance,
cost, size, weight, power consumption and reliability.
In architectural terms, an EO sensor can be generalised
as comprising an optical system to collect the radiation,
a detector to convert it to an electrical signal, and
processing to condition, analyse and/or display the
information carried by the signal. Additionally, some
systems may provide their own source of radiation, often
a flashgun in simple cameras but more often a laser
in military systems.
 Remote
EO sensing systems rely on detectors whose performance
is determined fundamentally by their sensitivity to
radiation and their signal-to-noise ratio. The performance
of imaging sensors is additionally determined by spatial
(angular) resolution and stability in the operating
environment. Using a design that is tuned to be sensitive
to particular features of objects of interest e.g. a
laser wavelength, polarisation, or phase of the radiation
can considerably enhance a sensing capability.
The aim of the DTC is to research
areas where the desired defence S&T outcomes can be
met. A key outcome is to provide sensing capability
at longer ranges. This sensing capability includes the
ability of the system to detect, recognise and identify
potential targets. This can be by improved imagery to
make the task easier on the operator or by automatic
means. Algorithm development and sensor signal processing
are essential elements of this ability. This area will
also be addressed within the DTC.
To allow effective management and
clarity of purpose, this research theme has initially
been divided into 4 closely related sub-themes.
Detectors are a key component of
EO systems, and the Novel Detectors sub-theme is concerned
with technologies with potential to give real improvements
in this specialist and diverse area.
The Active Imaging sub-theme addresses
issues specific to the burgeoning class of possible
applications for systems using lasers to enhance target
acquisition.
The Advanced Optical Techniques sub-theme
groups projects that aim to provide improved sensors
by introducing new technologies into system designs.
The fourth sub-theme is Hyperspectral
Sensing which is an example of an optical technology
which is conceptually mature and which now requires
"technology bricks" to allow it to move towards full
development.
 The
projects in the initial programme have been selected
by matching available technologies and resources to
recognised capability gaps and priorities. It is intended
that the programme will develop to encompass other emerging
technologies when appropriate. At this stage, many areas
such as post-detector processing and indirect sensing
(e.g. using the effect of a target on its environment
to establish its location) are not explicitly represented.
The longer-term plan is that the research programme
will grow into other related areas as opportunities
arise to make significant progress.
The first phase of the DTC research
programme has been planned in detail, and involves projects
spanning timescales of between one and three years.
The work has been grouped into a number of sub-themes
that are summarised below, together with the planned
contributors to the research programme.
The applicability of the research
sub-themes to the desired defence S&T outcomes,
as defined by MOD, is indicated according to the following
codes:
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