CAD

Color Acquisition Device

Introduction and Method

CAD is a novel low-CSWaP tabletop device for measuring the reflectance or transmittance of different objects at three different discrete wavelengths and report them to the user with a wireless Bluetooth LCD.

Using a 100m long polarization-maintaining silica fiber as a single-pass stimulated Raman scattering source when pumped by ~1.2kW peak-power, 5ns wide, 1064nm wavelength laser pulses at a repetition rate of 20kHz, two wavelengths at 1120nm and 1178nm are generated (when polarization is not aligned to fast or slow fiber axes). These generated wavelengths and the pump acquire distinct temporal shapes whose linear combination makes up the exiting gaussian pulses that, with proper signal analysis and software tuning, are used to analyze and extract the spectral content of the target that is reported to the user; all is done without the need of additional laser cavities, diffractive optics, and by using a single high-speed detector.

The electronics were created with the concept of portability in mind. With a cumbersome optical system such as this one, the user should be able to detect objects from a durable remote device that prints the important information to the user through Bluetooth. Bluetooth requires no internet connection for remote usage where internet connections are weak or non-existant. In this way, all the data can simply be displayed in a simple and easy manner for the user whether or not they are near the optical setup.

Videos and Media

Final Presentation

Final Demonstration

Documentation

Fall 2020

Spring 2021

Video Downloads

Team Members

	Cesar Lopez-Zelaya is a senior undergraduate student majoring in Photonic Science and Engineering. In the fall of 2018, he joined the Thin-Film Optoelectronics (TFO) research group at CREOL, The College of Optics and Photonics. Cesar also interned at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), where he began doing research in high-power lasers and nonlinear optics. He currently works with TFO and AFRL and plans to pursue a PhD. in optical physics after graduating. Roles: Cesar worked on the signal analysis and machine learning theory, output optical setup alignment, calibration, and measurement control. He worked together with Noah to choose the appropriate parts needed for the optical setup and aligning the optical fiber.
	Kyle Hoofman is a senior undergraduate student majoring in Electrical Engineering, comprehensive track. His interests include electronics and PCB design and implementation. After graduation he will be working as an Electronics Engineer for the Naval Air Warfare Center. Roles: Kyle worked on prototyping, designing, and manufacturing the PCB. He worked together with David to program the microcontroller on the PCB as well as the computer to communicate with one another and display information through Bluetooth on an LCD.
	Noah Richter is a senior undergraduate student majoring in Photonics science and Engineering. His interests include optical system design and light based communication. After graduation he will be working as an optical engineer at L3Harris Technologies in Melbourne, Florida. Roles: Noah worked on the optical design, laser collimation and operation, and fiber alignment. He worked together with Cesar on the part selection for the design and on the signal analysis & data collection.
	David Rothaus is receiving his B.S. in Electrical Engineering. His academic interests include analog and digital electronics as well as semiconductor devices. After university, he will be pursuing a Test Engineering position with Honeywell Aerospace in Clearwater, Florida. Roles: David worked on creating the signal analysis and machine-learning algorithms with Cesar as well as implementing the Bluetooth and LCD. He also worked with Kyle to prototype and design the PCB.

Professors and Consultants

Dr. Kyle Renshaw

Dr. Peter Delfyett

Dr. Guifang Li

Dr. Zhishan Guo

Dr. Christian Keyser (AFRL)

Kevin Chandler (AFIT)

Sponsor

This project was sponsored and funded by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).