Local researchers receive grant to develop next-gen night vision technology

Greg Salamo, Shui-Qing “Fisher” Yu and Jin Hu / University Relations

Three researchers at the University of Arkansas have received a grant to develop the next generation of infrared sensors used in night vision technology.

Electrical engineering professor Shui-Qing “Fisher” Yu, Distinguished Professor Greg Salamo, and Jin Hu, assistant professor of physics, received the $4.4 million award from the U.S. Office of Naval Research.

The grant will pay for special equipment needed to design an infrared imaging sensor array from the semiconductor silicon germanium tin.

From the university:

The team will then integrate this array with a complementary metal oxide semiconductor, known as CMOS, on the same chip. CMOS technology is used for making integrated-circuit chips for microprocessors, controllers and other digital and analog circuits, including image sensors. The combination is more effective at harnessing ambient light, an essential element in night vision technology.

The researchers last month hosted a Zoom meeting that was attended by U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, who helped secure funding for the research.

“I’m extremely proud of the collaboration between the University of Arkansas and the Navy to develop next-generation night vision sensor technology,” Womack said. “This world-class research will produce a prototype that will surpass current technology and increase military capabilities. It will also drive new, high-tech economic opportunities for our region and state. Ingenuity is opening doors to the future, and I will continue to support these efforts in Congress.”

» Read more about the project at news.uark.edu.