SEA research at DERC covers a broad spectrum, from fundamental science to real-world applications. We carry out research that contributes to scientific advancements, supports industry, and helps improve everyday quality of life.

High-Power Acoustics 

We are creating new technologies for the capture, transmission and rendering of audio material. Our research domains include:

  • Long-range acoustic devices that enable safe and secure communication channels for cargo ships and other civilian vessels, whether on the open sea or entering ports or other critical maritime zones
  • World-class high-power acoustic transmitters. 

 

Sensors 

We are researching high-range sensors to better understand our oceans and improve medical imaging. Our research domains include:

  • Novel high-sensitivity, high-dynamic-range sensors
  • Sound-propagation analysis of materials using high sensitivity vibrometers
  • Wireless and wired acoustic sensor arrays 
  • Advanced SONAR systems for the detection and machine learning-based classification of underwater objects (hydrophones, geophones and microphones).

 

Security Applications

We support research that helps secure society and improve lives by applying our expertise in acoustics to advanced security applications. Our research domains include:

  • Privacy-oriented systems
  • Hydrophones for naval activity detection in safety and security applications
  • Acoustic cameras for perimeter protection and threat detection
  • Cross-border tunnel detection using active and passive sensors.

The ubiquitous nature and widespread application of electromagnetics have made them a fundamental tool of modern society. At DERC, we work towards critical breakthroughs to strengthen the lives of many.

 

EM Compatibility and EM Interference

We study a wide range of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) topics on behalf of governments and enterprises to secure and harden advanced electronic systems.  Our research domains include:

  • Modelling the EM environment produced by human-made sources
  • Design, production, and evaluation of antennas
  • Innovative materials for EM shielding applications
  • Modelling the electro-thermal response of industrial systems 
  • Lightning protection.

 

High-power Electromagnetics (HPEM)

We study the effects and protection of biological systems, IT equipment, and critical infrastructure against electromagnetic interference from exposure to very intense electromagnetic fields. Our research domains include:

  • Hyperband, mesoband, and hypoband radiated sources
  • Electromagnetic modeling of the interaction between  systems and HPEM fields
  • Experimental techniques for source characterization, and susceptibility testing
  • Neutralisation of unexploded ordinances with HPEM fields.

 

Radar Technologies

We focus on the development of advanced radar technologies for aerospace, defence and environmental applications. Our research domains include:

  • Pulsed techniques for target identification
  • Methods for detection of low RCS (radar cross-section) moving objects
  • Ground-penetration radar for unexploded ordinance detection and identification.

 

Pulsed Power

We support the UAE’s leading engineering, aerospace, defence and biomedicine sectors with innovative solutions using highly repetitive impulsive electromagnetic fields. Our research domains include:

  • Discharge of high-energy capacitor banks
  • Development of synchronised triggered high-voltage switches
  • Pulsed power for microwave sources
  • High-voltage amplifiers.

High-energy laser technologies and laser-based telecommunication systems are domains that could unlock current barriers to connect the world. We at DERC are working today to design the building blocks for tomorrow’s technologies.

 

Microwave Photonics

At DERC, we are focused on developing electronic microwave high-frequency devices and photonics interfaces for high-frequency applications, particularly in telecommunications and information transmission. Our research domains include:

  • Characterisation and modelling of microwave photonics components
  • High-speed semiconductor laser characterisation
  • Radio-over-fibre (RoF) system development
  • Free space optical communication
  • Integrated photonic circuits design

 

Solid-State and Fibre Lasers

Our work in solid-state and fibre lasers is centred around next-generation laser design,  including semiconductor-based lasers. At DERC, we focus on developing applications for the telecommunications, defence and space sectors, along with other wavelengths useful to engineers. Our research domains include:

  • Solid-state, fiber and semiconductor-based laser design and implementation
  • Optical fibre characterisation and modelling
  • Laser characterisation test bench facility
  • Optical fibre-based sensing systems

 

Laser Materials Interaction 

We support research that focuses on the development of high-energy laser systems for engineering applications, including advanced system architecture, and laser design and characterisation. Our research domains include:

  • High-energy laser development and testing for engineering applications
  • Laser-material interaction characterisation and modelling
  • Modelling and characterization of free-space laser propagation in various environments
  • Applied spectroscopy using high-energy sources
  • Laser safety policy advisory