Vladimir Esterkin

Bio: Vladimir Esterkin is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Virtual reality & System on a chip. The author has an hindex of 3, co-authored 9 publications receiving 30 citations.

Optical impact control system

Abstract: An optical impact system controls munitions termination through sensing proximity to a target and preventing effects of countermeasures on false munitions termination. Embodiments can be implemented on in a variety of munitions such as small and mid caliber that can be applicable in non-lethal weapons and in weapons of high lethality with airburst capability for example and in guided air-to-ground and cruise missiles. Embodiments can improve accuracy, reliability and lethality of munitions depending on its designation without modification in a weapon itself and make the weapon resistant to optical countermeasures.

Direct-view autostereoscopic monitor without goggles

Abstract: Physical Optics Corporation has developed an autostereoscopic 3D display system that does not require viewers to wear goggles. This system is based on a stationary holographic projection diffuser fabricated using volume multiphase holographic optical elements. Design and development of the prototype are also described.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Reconfigurable mass data recording method and system

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a removable memory unit (RMU) that facilitates concatenation of said memory modules irrespective of their individual physical interfaces, enables encryption/decryption keys (including cryptographic ignition keys (CIKs)) to reside onboard the RMU, provides for physical separation of RED and BLACK data in cross-domain environments and implements zeroization functionality onboard the RMU. Further embodiments provide a swappable IO backplane and adapter plates for incorporation into a wide variety of platforms.

High speed nanotechnology-based photodetector

Abstract: An inexpensive, easily integrated, 40 Gbps photoreceiver operating in the communications band would revolutionize the telecommunications industry. While generation of 40 Gbps data is not difficult, its reception and decoding require specific technologies. We present a 40 Gbps photoreceiver that exceeds the capabilities of current devices. This photoreceiver is based on a technology we call "nanodust." This new technology enables nanoscale photodetectors to be embedded in matrices made from a different semiconductor, or directly integrated into a CMOS amplification circuit. Photoreceivers based on quantum dust technology can be designed to operate in any spectral region, including the telecommunications bands near 1.31 and 1.55 micrometers. This technology also lends itself to normal-incidence detection, enabling a large detector size with its associated increase in sensitivity, even at high speeds and reception wavelengths beyond the capability of silicon.

System-on-chip-centric unattended embedded sensors in homeland security and defense applications

Abstract: System-on-chip (SoC) single-die electronic integrated circuit (IC) integration has recently been attracting a great deal of attention, due to its high modularity, universality, and relatively low fabrication cost. The SoC also has low power consumption and it is naturally suited to being a base for integration of embedded sensors. Such sensors can run unattended, and can be either commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) electronic, COTS microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), or optical-COTS or produced in house (i.e., at Physical Optics Corporation, POC). In the version with the simplest electronic packaging, they can be integrated with low-power wireless RF that can communicate with a central processing unit (CPU) integrated in-house and installed on the specific platform of interest. Such a platform can be a human body (for e-clothing), unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), or many others. In this paper we discuss SoC-centric embedded unattended sensors in Homeland Security and military applications, including specific application scenarios (or CONOPS). In one specific example, we analyze an embedded polarization optical sensor produced in house, including generalized Lambertian light-emitting diode (LED) sources and secondary nonimaging optics (NIO).

Proximity Sensor with Asymmetric Optical Element

Abstract: A proximity sensor may be mounted below a display cover layer in an electronic device. The proximity sensor may have a light source that emits light and a detector configured to detect reflections of the emitted light from nearby external objects. Optical structures may be interposed between the proximity sensor and the window in the display cover layer. The optical structures may include a first portion such as a convex lens that is configured to collimate light from the light source so that the light propagates along a surface normal to the display cover layer. The optical structures may also include a second portion such as a prism structure for deflecting uncollimated light away from the propagation axis of the collimated light.

High performance of a SOI-based lateral PIN photodiode using SiGe/Si multilayer quantum well

Abstract: Silicon-on-insulator (SOI) based SiGe quantum well infrared pin photodiode has the potential of being a serious candidate for applications in sensing applications as well as in optical fiber communications. The present work investigates the performance of a virtual lateral PIN photodiode with a SiGe/Si multi-quantum well structure. In this paper, 5 periods of stacked SiGe quantum wells were grown on Si(100). A lateral PIN photodiode consisting of the SiGe/Si multi-quantum well layers as the active absorption layer with intensity response in the 700–1600 nm wavelength range was demonstrated. The results obtained for responsivity, total quantum efficiency and frequency response were 0.89 A/W, 71% and 21 GHz respectively for design parameters of intrinsic region length of 6 μm, photoabsorption layer thickness of 50 μm, incident optical power of 1 mW/cm2 and bias voltage of 3 V. As a conclusion, the SiGe/Si multi-quantum well solution in achieving the desired high performance photodiode was achieved.

Application store model for dynamic reconfiguration of a field-programmable gate array (FPGA)

Abstract: A computing device, computer-readable medium, and method are provided to dynamically configure an FPGA of a computing device at runtime without rebooting the computing device. At least one upgradable capability of the FPGA is displayed to a user. The user selects an upgradable capability of the FPGA and accepts a license to enable the selected upgradable capability. An update to a reconfigurable FPGA image associated with the FPGA is obtained in response to issuance of the license. The update to the reconfigurable FPGA image is installed on the FPGA to enable the selected upgradable capability of the FPGA. An operating system of the computing device is notified of the update to the reconfigurable FPGA image at runtime, and the operating system exposes the selected upgradable capability of the FPGA to at least one component of a software stack managed by the operating system.

Resource management tools based on renewable energy sources

Abstract: Renewable energy is an important source of power for unattended sensors (ground, sea, air), tagging systems, and other remote platforms for Homeland Security and Homeland Defense. Also, Command, Control, Communication, and Intelligence (C3I) systems and technologies often require renewable energy sources for information assurance (IA), in general, and anti-tampering (AT), in particular. However, various geophysical and environmental conditions determine different types of energy harvesting: solar, thermal, vibration, acoustic, hydraulic, wind, and others. Among them, solar energy is usually preferable, but, both a solar habitat and the necessity for night operation can create a need for other types of renewable energy. In this paper, we introduce figures of merit (FoMs) for evaluating preferences of specific energy sources, as resource management tools, based on geophysical conditions. Also, Battery Systemic Modeling is discussed.

Energy harvesting with low-power electronics

Abstract: In this paper, a novel concept of energy harvesting, applicable to both wired and wireless self-powered low-power electronic devices, is discussed. Types of energy harvesting include solar/optical, thermal, IR, and mechanical. Overall power budgets and control circuitry are discussed, including maximizing Mean Time between Battery Replacement/Recharge values. It is shown that in the case of low-power wireless electronics, surprisingly low amounts of daily direct solar exposure are sufficient to satisfy overall system power consumption.