UA Researchers Awarded $4.4M to Develop Infrared Camera

From left, researchers Greg Salamo, Shui-Qing "Fisher" Yu and Jin Hu.

University of Arkansas researchers received a $4.4 million award from the U.S. Office of Naval Research to develop the next generation of infrared sensors used in night vision technology.

The researchers — electrical engineering professor Shui-Qing “Fisher” Yu, Distinguished Professor Greg Salamo, and Jin Hu, assistant professor of physics — will collaborate with the Navy Surface Warfare Research Center, Crane Division, and electronic components manufacturer Arktonics of Fayetteville.

Their project involves using semiconductor silicon germanium tin to design and build a prototype of a superior and less-expensive infrared camera that have military applications. The grant will pay for specially designed equipment.

The researchers hosted a Zoom meeting on Sept. 21 to kick off their project. U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Arkansas helped secure the funding and attended that meeting. 

Womack said in a news release, “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.”