Optics facilities
13 facilities across 6 states
Electro-Optics (E/O) Mobile Laboratory
Washington, DC
Electro-Optics Systems
Crane, IN
Provides full spectrum life cycle support functions to provide safe, reliable, and effective visual augmentation, electro-optic sensors and laser surveillance and targeting devices. Services are provided for the acquisition support and sustainment of surface systems and include development, acquisition, test and evaluation, systems engineering, sustainment, fielding and improvement of electro-optic man portable air and vehicle mounted electro-optic systems. Electro-optic products provide sighting, surveillance, detection and tracking of targets for both combat and non-combat missions.
Electrooptics and Millimeter Wave Lab
Eglin AFB, FL
Research to date has resulted in the flight testing of a small correlator on a model airplane. Test results show the capability of an optical processor to recognize mobile targets in real time. Under development is a seeker system combining laser radar and optical processing to show the capability of optical processing for use in laser systems. Other research has focused on development of optical modulator technology and application of optical correlation to biological system identification such as cancer detection and blood analysis.
Free Surface Hydrodynamics Laboratory
Washington, DC
Ground Based Hyperspectral Imaging
Picatinny Arsenal, NJ
ARDEC is the only DOD agency developing Hyper Spectral (HS) imaging technology to be implemented as HS scopes and binoculars for the warfighter. Development is ongoing for HS scopes that operate in the visible to near infrared (VISNIR), the midwave infrared (MWIR) and the long wave infrared (LWIR). ARDEC's VISNIR prototype system currently operates with full data processing and visualization at a rate of two data cubes per second. The next generation, nearly completed will operate at a twenty to thirty data cubes per second. Unique sensors are being developed in all three spectral ranges that will operate at up to thirty cubes per second. Data rates of ten or more cubes per second is fast enough to replace current optical and infrared scopes that provide no spectral analysis with HS scopes that provide spectral analysis to discern and separate targets from background, greatly aiding the warfighter in detecting and tracking targets. The next generation sensors are being designed to operate without cooling, to use very little electric power, and to weigh little more than optical scopes. ARDEC's method of extracting meaningful information from the massive data cube and displaying it for instantaneous comprehension by the soldier is unique and key to the success of HS imaging.
Industrial X-Ray Facility
Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD
Infrared Thermal Imaging
Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD
LADAR Development and Evaluation Research Facility (LDERF)
Eglin AFB, FL
The optics laboratories have four optical workbenches on isolated slabs of cement in two separate rooms. An indoor range allows LADAR experiments in a controlled environment. Motorized doors provide convenient access to the outdoor range. Numerous lasers are available for LADAR integration or other experiments, ranging from low power CW HeNe lasers to high pulse energy diode-pumped solid state lasers at a variety of wavelengths. Current research efforts at the LDERF utilize active imaging LADAR systems operating at wavelengths from the visible through the near infrared. The performance of optical detectors such as the avalanche photodiode (APD) can be characterized in the optics laboratories.
Mobile IR Test Facilities
China Lake, CA
The Mobile IR Test Facilities consist of the Infrared Evaluation Van (IRSEV), the Mobile IR Measurement Lab, the IR Instrumentation Trailers, the Airborne Turret Infrared Measurement System (ATIMS), and the Tiger airborne instrumentation pod. NAVAIR WD also provides test management support for IR live fire programs and a clean room for support of test equipment.
Naval Prototype Optical Interferometer (NPOI)
Washington, DC
Nondestructive Inspection (NDI) Complex
Edwards AFB, CA
Specialize in use of optical penetrant Joint Oil Analysis Program (JOAP), magnetic particle, ultrasonic, eddy current, and radiographic nondestructive inspection techniques to evaluate the condition of structural components. The complex supports 13 different weapons systems at the Air Force Flight Test Center, as well as aircraft at Vandenberg Air Force Base, China Lake Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, NASA, the Civilian Flight Test Center in Mojave, Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, Calif., and commercial companies not associated with the DoD. Real-time radiology is available to inspect thin structure and composite components without the use of X-ray film. Results can be recorded on three-fourths inch videotape.
Optical Spectral Measurements Facility
Washington, DC
Optics and Laser Research Facility
China Lake, CA