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Development Pipeline

Since its inception, the Boston University Photonics Center has worked jointly with the Department of Defense to develop photonics technologies. Much of the original funding for the construction of the Center came from a grant from the Office of Naval Research (ONR). The Department of Defense (DoD) requires rapid access to advanced technologies to solve critical operational needs such as sniper detection, improvised explosive device (IED) detection and chemical and biological threat detection. Many potential solutions have emerged from the research efforts within Boston University. A core mission of the Photonics Center is to accelerate the development of new technology for use in defense and security applications. When the results of research are rapidly converted into useful prototypes and devices for these applications, more collaborations are formed. These collaborations often lead to new advanced technology development with DoD. The proven ability to develop prototypes for defense technology is a critical differentiator for the Photonics Center. To that end, the pipeline model has been developed at the Center with RedOwl being the initial project. From this model, the Center has developed a phased program: Phase I is prototype development; Phase II is prototype enhancement and integration including partnership with a spin-off company or outside commercial entity (preferably a defense contractor); Phase III is an effort to transfer the technology and prototype to the industrial partner for production (outside the hands of the University), thus resulting in insertion.