Project Grant 2401537

This National Science Foundation (NSF) Engineering program (CFDA 47.041) Project Grant award of $467,128 to the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) will support the development of mid-infrared retinomorphic sensor devices and in-sensor image convolution processing capabilities. The research aims to realize bioinspired vision systems that emulate the function of the biological retina, enabling the fusion of sensing and processing into a single sensor element. This will leverage lead selenide semiconductors to expand vision sensor capabilities into the mid-wavelength infrared spectral region. The project will also generate fundamental understandings of the device physics, circuit designs, and system architecture optimizations required for this mid-infrared retinomorphic vision system. In addition, the research findings will be disseminated through academic courses, undergraduate research opportunities, and K-12 outreach activities to engage a broad student population, particularly underrepresented minorities in STEM fields.