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Sensors
Photon-Efficient Scanning LiDAR System
This new methodology selectively scans an area of interest and effectively pre-compresses the image data. Instead of using LiDAR resources to gather redundant data, only the necessary data is gathered and the redundancy can be used to fill in up-sampled data using intelligent completion algorithms. The system utilizes a unique LiDAR system to collect a pattern of specific points across a given area by modulating the incoming light, creating a pattern that can be decoded computationally to reconstruct a scene. By designing specific coding patterns, the system can strategically skip certain measurements during the scanning process to create an under-sampled image area.
The system reconstructs the under-sampled area to recreate an accurate representation of the original object or area being scanned. As a result, redundant data is prevented from being collected by reducing the number of required measurements and data condensed in post-collection to reduce power consumption. By selectively skipping certain pixels during the scan and using sophisticated recovery algorithms to reconstruct the omitted information, the system makes more efficient use of the available photons, thereby enhancing overall data collection.
This technology represents a significant advancement in LiDAR systems, offering a more useful method for data collection and processing and addresses the challenges of power consumption and data redundancy, allowing for more sustainable and effective remote sensing applications. This technology can offer advantages in applications such as mapping for construction, surveying, forestry, or farming as well as computer vision for vehicles or robotics.
Power Generation and Storage
Helmholtz Electric Machine
The Helmholtz Electric Machine addresses the fundamental challenge of integrating high-temperature superconductors into electric motor armatures through an innovative architectural approach. Unlike conventional motors where magnetic field orientation constantly shifts, this design uses two sets of magnetic field sources arranged as Helmholtz coils to generate a unidirectional magnetic field throughout operation. This configuration keeps the magnetic field aligned in-plane with the thin superconducting film, preventing the perpendicular orientation that causes excessive power losses. The reduction in armature power losses substantially eases the thermal management burden, making it practical to operate the armature at cryogenic temperatures required for HTS functionality. Predicted efficiency reaches 99.9%, representing a significant improvement over both conventional motors and non-HTS superconducting designs.
An additional advantage of this motor architecture is its compatibility with liquid nitrogen cooling. The HTS materials operate at temperatures up to 77K, whereas competing superconductors require temperatures in the 20-35K range. Liquid nitrogen provides low-cost, high-performance cooling at 77K, but non-HTS superconducting motors must rely on liquid hydrogen (which poses safety concerns), costly helium gas, or experimental liquid neon. This operational temperature advantage reduces both complexity and operating costs for end users.
The Helmholtz Electric Machine represents a breakthrough in superconducting motor design, combining unprecedented efficiency with practical cooling requirements to enable next-generation electric propulsion systems. The Helmholtz Electric Machine is available for patent licensing.



