Flashes of Brilliance: Commercializing Laser Technology

By "mapping the wind," LIDAR technology can help determine the best places in Utah for new alternative-energy wind farms.

About USU's Active Sensing and Imaging Team

  • The Center for Active Sensing and Imaging (CASI) at Utah State University is developing laser technology called LIDAR for remote sensing and 3D imaging.  Like its cousin RADAR, LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) bounces laser light off of objects to accurately measure the size, shape and location of land, buildings, and even the air. LIDAR can literally “map the wind,” helping to detect air pollution and site wind farms.  LIDAR is also used to raise freeway bridges faster than ever. In short, research underway at USU is making advances in transportation infrastructure, energy, public health and other billion-dollar markets.
2008 Highlights

Patents and Projects

  • With USTAR funding, CASI built a mobile 3D camera, opening up new uses for what had previously been stationary, ground-based technology. LIDAR cameras can now capture exceptional detail of buildings and terrain from great heights in helicopters and planes or on the ground from moving vehicles.
  • Demonstrating remarkable creativity and productivity, the team made 21 invention disclosures and three patent filings. One patent has been issued, and technology is being licensed to commercial partners.
  • Indicative of growing markets, the team completed six external service contracts, with more in the works. One project analyzed air quality in California, while others supported commercial, transportation, and ecology projects in Utah.
2009 Goals

Change is in the Wind

  • Start a company based on Laser Assisted Stereo Scopic Imaging (LASSI) technology.
  • Leverage proprietary LIDAR methods to develop large area wind profiling technology.
  • Utilizing a new state-of-the-art particle and aerosol measurement laboratory, expand the number of service contracts particularly in air quality and wind power development.
  • Pursue new satellite technology, leveraging USU’s strengths in space technology.
The team's technology has a wide range of applications for ground-, air-, and spaced-based 3D imaging.

A Laser-like Focus on Growth

With the support of USTAR’s Northern Utah Tech Outreach team, CASI has analyzed the market needs and business opportunities for LIDAR. These include architectural surveys, utility corridor mapping, real-world 3D imaging for games and films, aerospace (NASA/NOAA), environmental monitoring, wind farm siting, and commercial and military intelligence gathering. Total market potential? $1.5 billion!