Grant: Engage Grants Program
Memorial University of Newfoundland
$22,200.00
Advanced window optics for underwater camera applications
FY 2011-12
Summary
Canada's oceans are becoming of increased strategic importance because of the opening of the Northwest
Passage and the increased activity surrounding ocean-based resource exploration and extraction on the
country's east and west coasts. Similar situations exist worldwide. This has created a significant demand for
improved underwater imaging systems that can provide enhanced national security and enable exploration of
the deepest parts of the oceans, real-time monitoring of the integrity of ocean-based assets, and the location of
ocean-based natural resources. In the proposed project, the researchers (Dr. G.T. Andrews and collaborator Dr.
M.J. Clouter, Professor Emeritus, Memorial University), whose expertise lies in optics and materials physics,
will partner with Clarenville, Newfoundland-based SubC Control Limited, a company that specializes in
underwater imaging systems, with the aim of developing a prototype underwater camera with a viewing angle
that is larger than that of cameras currently available on the market. To achieve this goal, the researchers will
look in detail at the optics and materials science of the window on the camera housing (which has its exterior
surface in contact with the water) and the medium that lies between the interior surface of the window and the
camera inside the housing while remaining cognizant of the high pressures to which the window is exposed at
ocean depths. By leveraging the researchers' expertise to design a state-of-the-art underwater camera while
avoiding prohibitive increases in cost, the company will achieve a significant competitive advantage and
enhance its reputation as an innovator in advanced underwater imaging technologies. In addition to the
anticipated economic benefits, this project will train company staff in optics and materials science, two areas
that are critical to its future success. In a broader sense, this project will contribute to the growing national
expertise in ocean science and technology, a field of strategic importance to Canada.
Program
Engage Grants Program
Recipient
Location
Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Recipient Type
Academia
Type
Grant
Source
NSERC's Awards Data
As published
Application id
429148-2011
Name nom
Andrews, GTodd
Department département
Physics and Physical Oceanography
Organization id
89
Institution établissement
Memorial University of Newfoundland
Province en
Newfoundland and Labrador
Province fr
Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador
Country en
CANADA
Country fr
CANADA
Fiscal year exercice financier
2011
Competition year année de concours
2011
Award amount
22200
Program id
EGP
Program nane en
Engage Grants Program
Program name fr
Programme de subventions d'engagement partenariat
Group en
Research partnerships programs
Group fr
Programmes de partenariat
Committee code
1551
Committee name en
Atlantic Internal Decision Committee
Committee name fr
Comité de décision interne pour l'Atlantique
Area of application code
515
Area of application group en
Manufacturing processes and products
Area of application group fr
Procédés et produits industriels
Area of application en
Instrumentation technology
Area of application fr
Technologie de l'instrumentation
Research subject code
3306
Research subject group en
Condensed matterphysics
Research subject group fr
Physique de la matière condensée
Research subject en
Optical properties
Research subject fr
Propriétés optiques
Partie
1
Nb partie
1
Application title
Advanced window optics for underwater camera applications
Keyword
NSERC
Application summary
Canada's oceans are becoming of increased strategic importance because of the opening of the Northwest
Passage and the increased activity surrounding ocean-based resource exploration and extraction on the
country's east and west coasts. Similar situations exist worldwide. This has created a significant demand for
improved underwater imaging systems that can provide enhanced national security and enable exploration of
the deepest parts of the oceans, real-time monitoring of the integrity of ocean-based assets, and the location of
ocean-based natural resources. In the proposed project, the researchers (Dr. G.T. Andrews and collaborator Dr.
M.J. Clouter, Professor Emeritus, Memorial University), whose expertise lies in optics and materials physics,
will partner with Clarenville, Newfoundland-based SubC Control Limited, a company that specializes in
underwater imaging systems, with the aim of developing a prototype underwater camera with a viewing angle
that is larger than that of cameras currently available on the market. To achieve this goal, the researchers will
look in detail at the optics and materials science of the window on the camera housing (which has its exterior
surface in contact with the water) and the medium that lies between the interior surface of the window and the
camera inside the housing while remaining cognizant of the high pressures to which the window is exposed at
ocean depths. By leveraging the researchers' expertise to design a state-of-the-art underwater camera while
avoiding prohibitive increases in cost, the company will achieve a significant competitive advantage and
enhance its reputation as an innovator in advanced underwater imaging technologies. In addition to the
anticipated economic benefits, this project will train company staff in optics and materials science, two areas
that are critical to its future success. In a broader sense, this project will contribute to the growing national
expertise in ocean science and technology, a field of strategic importance to Canada.
