At HRL Laboratories, LLC, a team led by Principal Investigator Dr. Jeong-Sun Moon is developing the next generation of gallium nitride (GaN) transistors that will have a dramatic effect on electronic components that amplify electromagnetic signals for communications, radar, and 5G wireless networks. The MMIC amplifiers that utilize these high-speed GaN transistors can see greatly improved linearity, noise reduction, and reduced power consumption.

HRL Laboratories has reached the second phase of its novel system aimed to give autonomous systems such as self-driving cars artificial intelligence the ability to learn new tasks and preserve experience without losing or displacing previous learning—features not possible with current AI systems.

HRL Laboratories, LLC, reports a novel method used to additively manufacture—3D-print—components made from fracture-resistant ceramic matrix composites (CMCs). Published May 28, 2020 in The Journal of the American Ceramic Society, this technique makes possible a new range of complex designs with these durable materials.

Professor Steve Koester of the University of Minnesota came to HRL Laboratories in Malibu, California to access specialized testing equipment. HRL is collaborating with the University of Minnesota on graphene varactors, devices used in artificial impedance surface antennas.

In this Patent Highlight, HRL Researcher Ashley Dustin explains her co-invention of a coating that makes touchscreens easier to clean and smudge resistant. The HRL team combined antithetical elements to achieve the patented emulsion.

HRL Laboratories, LLC, scientists and engineers are taking on the challenge of developing sensors that are doubly-curved, like a bowl, under a new program from the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA) sighted on the advancement of infrared (IR) vision. Such curved photographic sensors can enhance clarity throughout an image by bringing its corners into equal focus and brightness as the center.

On May 16, 1960, Theodore Maiman, researcher for Hughes Aircraft Corporation, activated the world’s first laser at the company’s brand new research facility in Malibu, California. HRL will celebrate the 60th anniversary of Maiman’s laser on May 16, 2020, 60 years and a few months after the opening of the site.

HRL Laboratories have successfully demonstrated their NEMESIS program (NEurMorphic EyeS In the Sky), a revolutionary drone-based system to analyze situational awareness and provide actionable intelligence in real time. NEMESIS is a bioinspired system of fast, accurate video processing that emulates human vision. With NEMESIS, small drones can extract, recognize and track human movement, behaviors, and overall scenes from multi-modal sensor data, providing high-quality tactical decisions and actionable intelligence to warfighters as action is happening.

HRL Laboratories, LLC, electrical engineers have published an advancement on their diamond fin field-effect transistor (FinFET), a device that promises to enable future electronics that operate in high-temperature environments beyond the limits of current technology.

HRL Laboratories will design architected materials to be used on the leading edges of hypersonic aircraft as part of the Materials Architectures and Characterization for Hypersonics or MACH program from DARPA. Hypersonic vehicles fly at least five times the speed of sound. Leading edges are essential design features because they enable long-range travel at extremely high velocities while maintaining vehicle maneuverability.