Utah State University (USU) contributes to the Utah Science Technology and Research (USTAR) Economic Development Initiative with its expertise in the development of active sensors. USU’s primary focus in active sensors is the development of Laser Detection and Ranging (LADAR) and Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) technology.

 

Demand for this technology is rapidly increasing, and there are nearly countless applications that would profit from it: real-world 3D imaging for games and films, precision targeting for the military, surveying for engineering and architecture, remote monitoring and regulation of the environment, remote surveillance for homeland security, and situational awareness in space.

 

USU’s Active Sensors Team combines talent from the Utah Center for Advanced Imaging LADAR (CAIL), the Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL), and Utah State University faculty. This team has generated roughly $7M in related federal contracts in just the past three years. Additionally, they have produced four issued patents, two pending patents, and two spin-off companies (a third is in formation) from their work in this area.