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DARPA Creates "World's Most Complex" LIDAR Chip

By - Source: DARPA | B 12 comments
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DARPA announced that it has created a tiny 2D optical phased array that is believed to enable new light amplification for detection and ranging (LADAR) applications.

The silicon chip is just 576µm x 576µm in size, but integrates 4,096 nanoantennas in a 64 x 64 configuration.

LADAR, often also referred to as LIDAR (Light Detection And Ranging), is used as an alternative to RADAR and uses optical remote sensing instead of radio frequency waves. One of the advantages of LADAR is the fact that it delivers greater detail and enables applications such as fast 3D mapping. The problem of LADAR is delivered accuracy and speed.

According to DARPA, their LADAR chip is a "breakthrough" achievement due to its small size, the number of antennas and the integration of electronic and photonic components onto a single chip. DARPA did not say how the chip will be used other than it will lead to "new capabilities for sensing and imaging". In commercial applications the chip could improve application in agriculture, biology, geology, robotics, surveying and spaceflight.

Current military LIDAR application include the Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS), the Long-Range Biological Standoff Detection System (LR-BSDS), as well as unmanned aircraft, such as the Boeing AH-6.

 

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  • 9 Hide
    A Bad Day , January 21, 2013 11:06 PM
    A shame that the average American public barely knows basic chemistry (and easily frighten by Di-hydrogen Monoxide), and would most likely not understand/appreciate the innovation.
  • 5 Hide
    colaturka , January 21, 2013 11:14 PM
    can you enlighten me?
  • 7 Hide
    ricardok , January 21, 2013 11:31 PM
    colaturkacan you enlighten me?
    .. Are you sure you need that clarification?

    I won't spoil it, but it's everywhere and some people did think that that molecule would cause cancer some time ago.. ;) 
  • Display all 12 comments.
  • 6 Hide
    ddpruitt , January 22, 2013 12:17 AM
    colaturkacan you enlighten me?



    Answer
  • 4 Hide
    pythy , January 22, 2013 12:41 AM
    Quote:
    One of the advantages of LADAR is the fact that it delivers greater detail and enables applications such as fast 3D mapping. The problem of LADAR is delivered accuracy and speed

    What the?
  • 3 Hide
    A Bad Day , January 22, 2013 12:50 AM
    pythyWhat the?


    I'm amazed that you're still surprised...
  • 6 Hide
    warmon6 , January 22, 2013 1:26 AM
    A Bad DayA shame that the average American public barely knows basic chemistry (and easily frighten by Di-hydrogen Monoxide), and would most likely not understand/appreciate the innovation.


    My brother and I love getting people with that all the time. :lol: 

    We may not be scientist but we at least try to remember and/or figure out most of the stuff. (or at least the common stuff such as that.)
  • 3 Hide
    QEFX , January 22, 2013 1:34 AM
    colaturkacan you enlighten me?


    Ha ha ha ... I got the joke.

    Subtle colaturka, very subtle.
  • 1 Hide
    Anonymous , January 22, 2013 1:50 AM
    Believe it or not we can scan a mine cavity in anywhere between 10 to 20 minutes... you do get more detail the slower the scan is done, but the major problem is how clunky survey equipment is.
  • 1 Hide
    danwat1234 , January 22, 2013 3:11 AM
    I hope radar guns don't get this technology.
  • 2 Hide
    soundping , January 22, 2013 3:54 AM
    The drones get new eyes.
  • 0 Hide
    pjmelect , January 23, 2013 1:44 AM
    Quote:
    (and easily frighten by Di-hydrogen Monoxide)


    I drink that regularly, no cancer yet.