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Autonomous vehicles are outfitted with advanced cameras and optical sensors that rely on robust computer processors to assess their surroundings. What if these sensors and cameras could derive their power from manipulating the attributes of light?

Mark Lawrence, an assistant professor within the electrical and systems engineering department at the McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, aims to develop similar sensors and cameras backed by a five-year, nearly $560,000 CAREER Award from the National Science Foundation. CAREER awards endorse early-stage faculty who exemplify the role of teacher-scholars through exceptional research, high-quality education, and the amalgamation of education and research in line with their institution’s mission. At least a third of the current McKelvey Engineering faculty have been honored with this award.

According to Lawrence’s proposal, these sensors may be employed for medical diagnostics, surveillance, or monitoring for safety and security without requiring a camera, microchip, or battery.

For more information, visit the McKelvey Engineering website.

The article Light as data and power source was initially published on The Source.

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