Sensor Systems Laboratory

SRI International's Sensor Systems Laboratory (SSL) conducts basic and applied research in chemical and biological sensors, optical and remote sensors, and laser-based diagnostics. Research areas encompass development and testing of remote sensing systems for detection of atmospheric aerosols and chemicals, ultrasensitive trace gas detection systems based on frequency modulation spectroscopy, and biological detection using upconverting phosphor and fluorescence detection technologies.

SSL scientists and engineers in the program are recognized internationally for contributions to optical remote sensing, trace gas sensing, and biodetection methods, and have worked at the forefront of many technology innovations. These include the development of the first differential absorption lidar systems for the detection of chemical warfare agents, fluorescence lidars for the detection of biological warfare agents, airborne backscatter and Raman lidar, compact digital lidar systems, frequency modulation spectroscopy using near- and mid-infrared laser sources, and compact biosensing instrumentation and processing methods for rapid detection and identification of pathogens.

SSL staff members have degrees spanning a range of disciplines including physics, chemistry, electrical engineering, and biomedical engineering, with specific expertise in the following areas:

Physical optics models of light propagation through different waveguide and photonic structures.
COMSOL model of the electric field distribution around a microarray element

• Compact chemical and biological sensor development
• Sensor modeling and phenomenology
• Microfluidic devices
• Biological sample processing
• Optical spectroscopy and sensing
• Physical and geometrical optics
• Optical remote sensing
• Opto-mechanical design
• Analog and digital circuit design

Specific application areas include

• Defense and intelligence
• Chemical and biological warfare defense
• Atmospheric trace gas and aerosol sensing
• Environmental and industrial monitoring
• Trace gas detection
• Medical diagnostics
• BioMEMS
• Sensor phenomenology and modeling
• Trusted integrated circuits
• Robust biometric recognition
  

Contact Us
Dr. David E. Cooper, Director
Sensor Systems Laboratory
Physical Sciences Division
650-859-3742
david.cooper@sri.com