CONTACT: Mikhail Kats, mkats@wisc.edu, 608-890-3984
MADISON – For anyone involved in imaging, the future is so bright, it’s blinding.
Today’s imaging technologies allow highly sensitive cameras to detect even the faintest glimmers of light. Unfortunately, however, highly sensitive pieces of optical equipment are also highly susceptible to damage. Intense light beams overwhelm devices designed to detect single photons.
Advanced equipment needs cutting-edge protection, and a University of Wisconsin-Madison electrical engineer aims to provide that protection with optical “limiters” developed with support from the U.S. Office of Naval Research Young Investigator Program. Mikhail Kats, an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, is one of 47 promising investigators selected to receive $510,000 over the next three years to develop solutions to seemingly intractable modern problems.
Here’s one problem: As artificial eyes become more perceptive, high-powered light sources penetrate more spaces around the world. Even commonplace laser pointers can fry the optics of sensitive cameras.
Optical limiters may be able to shade those eyes. Like eyeglass lenses that darken only in sunlight, optical limiters can turn opaque on demand to block intense beams.
