Professor Vivek Goyal has been awarded funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to advance his research in long-distance 3D imaging and atmospheric sensing. Known for his innovative approaches that allow for new ways of “seeing” beyond conventional limits, Goyal”s work combines physics and advanced algorithms to enhance human perception.
One of his projects focuses on improving 3D imaging technology, which is crucial as autonomous vehicles (AVs) become more prevalent. As driverless taxis make their debut on the streets of Boston, safety concerns surrounding these vehicles have intensified. They depend heavily on real-time 3D mapping to identify potential hazards, making continued advancements in this area essential.
With a grant of $240,000 from the NSF, Goyal aims to refine a sophisticated technique known as frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) lidar. Currently, FMCW lidar is both fast and accurate but comes with high costs due to the need for complex hardware. Goyal plans to deconstruct the methodology to its fundamental principles, seeking to develop new algorithms that can deliver precise distance and velocity measurements with simplified hardware requirements. Preliminary findings from his research have shown promise in this regard.
In another project supported by a $600,000 NSF grant, Goyal is set to explore the underutilized potential of long-wave infrared (LWIR) light, which extends beyond the visible spectrum. LWIR has numerous applications, including search-and-rescue missions, law enforcement, and wildlife monitoring. Goyal sees significant opportunities in using LWIR for 3D imaging and remote sensing to assess air temperature and composition, which could aid in navigation and pollution tracking.
To tackle these challenges, Goyal intends to leverage both learning-based and physics-based strategies to analyze observed data and identify causal factors. This approach will help him define methodologies for practical applications in atmospheric sensing.
Since joining the faculty of Boston University“s Electrical and Computer Engineering department in 2014, Goyal has received numerous accolades, including fellowships from the AAAS, IEEE, and Optica. He has also been recognized with several awards such as the 2025 BU College of Engineering Dean”s Catalyst Award and the 2024 John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellowship.
Goyal”s research interests encompass computational imaging, information representation, and signal processing, reflecting his commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and enhancing our understanding of the world through scientific innovation.
