The industry's recognized authority for design, engineering and application of equipment and services in the global ocean community
Issue link: http://sea-technology.epubxp.com/i/344822
Innovative technology development has enabled FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute to discover, map, observe, quantify, sample, cultivate and conserve the ocean's diverse organisms and habitats since 1971. Today, laser-based sensor system research and industry partnerships with maritime robotics manufacturers are among the ways we work to advance the coverage, quality and bandwidth of sensor data and imagery in undersea habitats. OCEAN VISIBILITY AND OPTICS LABORATORY Te FAU Harbor Branch Ocean Visibility and Optics Lab, funded in part by the Ofce of Naval Research, employs basic and applied research in new laser technologies for undersea imaging and communications. Program objectives include: • Developing next-generation imaging and communications networks • Developing and validating advanced electro-optic design and simulation tools for imaging and communications system operators and developers • Transferring novel technologies and techniques from lab demonstrators into feldable solutions • Developing sensors and data management tools to better characterize the optical properties of ocean water GLIDER RESEARCH AND OPERATIONS CENTER Te FAU Harbor Branch Glider Research and Operations Center is a collaborative project with Bluefn Robotics. Applications have included use of Bluefn's Spray gliders in support of the ecosystem health assessment at shelf edge deep reefs and also in site assessment for thermal and hydrokinetic ocean energy applications in the Florida Straits. EXPERTISE • Underwater laser imaging and free space optical communications • Compact and efcient laser imaging architectures that utilize microdisplay technology and compressive sensing theory • At-sea testing of networks of sensors and robotic platforms • Surface and sub-surface hydrocarbon detection and characterization • Database management and data visualization • Advanced image and video processing CAPABILITIES FAU Harbor Branch's Ocean Visibility and Optics Laboratory is an optical engineering research and development facility that features: • 13-meter laser test tank facility that can maintain a wide range of scattering suspensions to represent turbid waters • 3-meter bio-photonics salt water test tank that can support live plankton and larvae • 5-meter salt water ballasting tank and glider calibration facility • Mechanical design and fully-equipped machine shop for prototype development, including a 4,500 psi (10,100 fsw) pressure testing tank, which can accommodate items up to 0.6 meters in diameter and 1.5 meters in length For more information, contact External Relations at 772.242.2317 or perryc@fau.edu 5600 US 1 N., Fort Pierce, FL 34946 • 772.242.2400 • www.fau.edu/hboi RESEARCHING SOLUTIONS AND DEVELOPING CONCEPTS FOR ADVANCED SEA TECHNOLOGY