The US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Directed Energy Directorate has signed a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with Advanced Optical Technologies (AOT) that allows the use of air force instrumentation at AOT's new facility in the Sandia Science and Technology Park, AFRL announced on 5 February.
The instrumentation was developed by AOT for defence department contracts. The CRADA, which has a term of five years with options to renew up to 20 years, will facilitate transition of AOT's multi-dimensional laser sensors and metrology into the aerospace, defence, manufacturing and environmental markets.
The multi-dimensional sensors have been developed for space classification, material-mapping and assessment, and non-destructive testing; and supporting models and metrology for machine vision and graphics, manufacturing control, and photonic materials.
Malini Hoover, CEO of AOT, said: 'It's gratifying to see the air force recognise the success and commercialisation of our technology and facilitate a quick turnaround for the new CRADA.
'This CRADA will benefit the government, the private sector and the scientific community. The most effective deployment of such specialised instrumentation is in the hands of those who know how to get the most out of it, and that's us.'
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