|
SIGNAL PHYSICS LABORATORY (SPL)
The Signal Physics Laboratory conducts
advanced research in a broad range of topics focused
primarily on acoustics. Historically, our work has focused
on underwater acoustics, primarily for the U.S. Navy;
more recently our sponsor base in underwater acoustics
has expanded to include U.S. government law enforcement
and intelligence agencies. We currently have ongoing
research in the areas of active and passive sonar and submarine
vulnerability reduction. These efforts involve a combination
of basic research, algorithm development, system prototyping/validation,
and full-scale data acquisition and measurement systems.
SPL specializes in signal and information processing
based on an understanding of the physics of signals and
noise including their generation, propagation, and reception.
This understanding is based on a balanced research program
involving at-sea data collection and analysis combined with
synergistic basic research.
In addition to our DoD research efforts,
SPL is involved in acoustics research aimed at industrial
applications. SPL's current industry-related efforts
include the reduction of combustion emissions via acoustical
processes, thermoacoustics (electrical generation and refrigeration
based on using heat/sound conversion), and the purification
of water sources with high intensity sound sources.
Organization
SPL’s staff consists of scientists and engineers
from diverse fields and backgrounds including physics,
electrical, mechanical, and aerospace engineering, math,
and computer science. This diversity provides SPL with
a strong and flexible technical base and fosters a dynamic
interdisciplinary research environment. At SPL, our
management philosophy is to minimize top-down formalism
and structure as much as possible. Instead, we develop highly
capable project leaders who are given the freedom to pursue
work in areas that interest them. We feel that this provides
a good marriage of academic freedom and the ability to conduct
schedule-driven and cost-controlled research. Our project
leaders interact directly with our DoD and industry sponsors
and coordinate individual research efforts. Our leaders
often manage multiple related research programs and develop
their own teams of people dedicated to common purposes.
At SPL, we believe it is this free, flexible project leadership
that makes us so competitive in the ever-changing environment
we all must deal with today.
History
The origin of SPL can be traced to 1965 and was known
as Signal Physics Section of the Acoustics Division of the
Defense Research Laboratory located on the UT campus (DRL
was later moved off campus and renamed the Applied Research
Laboratories). This section was created under the direction
of Dr. Loyd Hampton, head of the Acoustics Division, to
study echo structures and to develop algorithms for the
detection and classification of submarines. Although
our name has evolved over the years, SPL's primary emphasis,
on understanding the acoustical properties of the ocean
environment to improve the effectiveness of naval systems,
has remained unchanged. We have a continuing commitment
to our DoD sponsors and in recent years also have been applying
our knowledge to resolve problems for both non-DoD government
sponsors and industry.
If you have questions
regarding the work being done at SPL or are interested in
working at SPL, please contact the Director at Director-SPL@arlut.utexas.edu
|
