Kevin Jim's Instrumentation Projects

Two Dimensional Barcode Scanner [2007-2008]  

Advised on algorithms, software, and lens selection for a  two dimensional barcode scanner.  Performed SNR simulations for different light sources. [consultant]

Neural Matrix Chips and Cell Matrix Chips [2003 - 2007]

are extremely high density, electronically-interfaced, networks of living neurons or other cell types. I wrote several grant proposals for a multi-disciplinary, geographically-distributed team of scientists, which were successfully funded. I was the electronics systems designer for this on-going project, and devised new methods to detect neuronal activity. This project was selected as one of the R&D Magazine's 100 top innovations for 2005. Later, we expanded to using cardiac cells as well. [consultant]

Custom Imager Specfication [2007]

I surveyed the industry for a high speed, low noise, high sensitivity sensor.  Not finding exactly what was required, I negotiated with manufacturers to create a custom sensor for a signifcantly reduced cost for my client.

Imaging Spectrograph Calibration System [2006-2007]  

I worked on completing a system to calibrate the imaging distprtions of a hyperspectral, slit spectrograph, using an automated, laboratory mapping system.  

Atmospheric Radiative Transfer Models for Airborne Search and Rescue [2003]

I developed models to improve airborne search and rescue technology worldwide. [consultant]

ALOHA [2002 - 2003]

a next-generation hyperspectral imager for airborne reconnaissance and submarine detection, in optical wavelengths. I led the redesign of the spectrograph, changing it from a conventional hyperspectral design to one with much better performance than all other airborne hyperspectral systems. I also oversaw the systems engineering of the optics until I left Science and Technology International, which later became BAE Systems Spectral Solutions. [Science and Technology International, which later became BAE Systems Spectral Solutions.]

SWAMI (Scalable Wide Angle Multispectral Imager) [2001 - 2003]

STI's answer to the challenge of finding underwater mines in the surf zone. I was in charge of the sensor head of this six camera, multispectral system designed to image the ocean bottom from a helicopter. I also designed the system architecture for data acquisition, and worked extensively with the software team on the implementation of the low-level and user interface software. The system's optical, geometrical, and alignment characterizations were also under my supervision. This was one of the first airborne systems to successfully find underwater mines in the surfzone. [Science and Technology International, which later became BAE Systems Spectral Solutions.]

LASH (Littoral Airborne Sensor Hyperspectral) [2001 - 2003]

a system for detecting submarines, among other things, underwater, from aircraft (principally the P-3 Orion.) I worked on geolocation issues, solving navigation-related problems, as well as some camera calibration issues. I designed the next-generation data acquisition and image processing system. This system continues development at BAE. [Science and Technology International, which later became BAE Systems Spectral Solutions.]

HSDI (Hyperspectral Diagnostic Instrument) [2001 - 2003]

a system for optically detecting cancer. I worked on calibration and characterization of the sensor head and improving dynamic range of the system. [Science and Technology International]

SeaVue 2 [2001]

a handheld multispectral camera for inspection of underwater facilities for coral organism growths. [consultant]

NMFS Towed Camera System [2001]

a towed camera for the National Marine Fisheries that was used to image the ocean bottom in tandem with a side-scan sonar system. [consultant]

CRESPO (Coral Reef Eco-System Photometric Observatory) [2000 - 2001]

an International Space Station-based system designed to image and characterize the health of coral reefs worldwide. I designed the image processing system architecture and did the global coverage analysis. This system has since been renamed HICO and will fly some day on the ISS. [TerraSystems, which was bought by STI, then by BAE]

UCMS (Underwater Compositional Mapping System) [1998-2000]

a towed multispectral camera system for characterizing the ocean bottom. I was the project manager. [TerraSystems, which was bought by STI, then by BAE]

CALTECH Movable Focal Plane Camera [1997] - a scientific CCD camera with a focal plane that could move in the x and y directions to compensate for astronomical imaging through turbulent atmosphere. I wrote some DSP code to control the camera. [consultant]

UH Tiptilt System [1992 - 2001]

a tip-tilt secondary system to improve imaging and spectroscopy through the turbulent atmosphere using low-order adaptive optics. This instrument successfully imaged at the diffraction limit of the telescope, and was one of the first successful tip-tilt systems. I integrated the system, wrote the loop control software and ran and supported the system. [University of Hawaii, Institute for Astronomy]

UH Adaptive Optics [1993 - 2000]

a high order adaptive optics system based on the Roddier curvature approach. I helped in systems integration and testing. [University of Hawaii, Institute for Astronomy]

UH CCD Cameras [1990 - 2001]

general purpose scientific CCD cameras for the telescopes on Mauna Kea. I wrote CCD and camera control software in DSP assembler and helped build and test many cameras. [University of Hawaii, Institute for Astronomy]

UH NextStation Fiber-optic Interface [1992]

an interface between the SDSU (now Astronomical Research Cameras) astronomical CCD controller and a NeXTStation DSP interface. I designed and built the interface, and wrote the low-level driver software in DSP assembler. [University of Hawaii, Institute for Astronomy]

Superconductor Radiation Effects Testing [1989 - 1990]

a project to characterize the radiation effects from gamma radiation on high temperature superconductors. [TRW, which merged with Northrup Grumman]

Cornell Photodiode Testing System [1984-1986]

a system to perform acceptance testing of tens of thousands of photodiodes for a particle detector (CLEO II)  for the Wilson Synchrotron. I wrote part of the control system and ran the tests on the photodiodes. [Cornell University]