The research component of this Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program Award is addressing the problem of real-time correction of image degradation in infrared and laser imaging systems used in satellite imaging, aerial surveillance and reconnaissance, astronomical imaging, and target recognition. The types of degradation considered are due to the non-ideal characteristics of array sensors and atmospheric turbulence. The most limiting degradation in the performance of array sensors arises from the spatial and temporal nonuniformities in the sensors' responses. This research employs a statistical real-time-correction approach that avoids the need for costly calibration-based correction techniques that require the camera to steer away from the target for the duration of the calibration. The model-based statistical approach undertaken for nonuniformity correction is adapted to restore images degraded by atmospheric turbulence. The fundamental question of determining the optimal exposure time (or number of frames) needed for a given system in the presence of quantum noise is also being addressed. The algorithms developed in this research will be implemented in real systems through the investigator's collaborative efforts with the government and industry. The educational component of this research includes activities designed to motivate and excite undergraduate engineering students and strengthen the structure of the Dayton Area Graduate Studies Institute (DAGSI) Program that is a vital component of the Dayton-Area higher education system. These educational activities include: (1) demonstrating the practical research findings to undergraduate and graduate students by improving certain existing engineering courses; (2) offering periodical seminars available to nine local higher- education institutions and the DAGSI program through an interactive video network; (3) enhancing the practical training of students through collaboration with the local industry an d government laboratory; and, (4) actively involving the research assistants in this research in undergraduate education.
