DRI Programs

DRI offers applied research and development expertise and support to government and industrial clients and sponsors. Most research activity and projects are directed toward specific problem solutions or research results, requiring specialized capability and laboratories.

The Institute's many distinct program areas offer a broad range of opportunities for clients.

National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center - Rocky Mountain
NLECTC-Rocky Mountain focuses on projects in the areas of dealing with improvised explosive devices; applications of Geographic Informaiton Systems technology to crime analysis, resource management, and operational planning; using modern monitoring and information technology to assist probation and parole officers in offender management; improving and expanding the operability of voice and data systems in public safety communications; and proper collection, preservation, and presentation of scientific forensic evidence. The center has unique facilities available through the University, allowing training, demonstrations and workshops involving live explosives firing, DNA evidence processing, and materials science. Our goals are to provide technology information to public safety agencies, offer training and introduction to the proper use of specific technologies, and facilitate seminars, conferences and other forums wherein practitioners can exchange best practice information.

Rocky Mountain Center for Homeland Defense & Preparedness
Counter-terrorism and large-scale disruptive events (such as natural disasters, etc.) are among the most compelling issues facing our nation today. They require that we address a broad range of themes encompassing education, protecting our critical infrastructure, responding to acts of terrorism and managing the consequences of such acts. Our mission is to be the region’s Center of Excellence for protection against, and response to, a range of terrorist incidents, no matter the source of the challenge. Various groups, including first responders, politicians, health workers, and so forth, have noted a growing need for enhanced communication, quality information and highly trained individuals able to address the problems resulting from any terrorist attack, including those which employ weapons of mass destruction.  We shall aid in the safeguarding of this country through our scientific and technical leadership, responsive multi-disciplinary programs, technical support, expert advice and our desire to bring other interested parties together in reaching these goals.


Center for Ultrasonics and Non-Destructive Evaluation
We conduct fundamental and applied research in ultrasonics, nondestructive evaluation (NDE), on-line process measurements, sensor signal processing, and custom system development. Center personnel assist clients by providing a timely analysis of their problems, working with them to identify a solution, and then performing the required testing or technology development. Should a non-standard NDE technique be required, Center staff have unique R&D skills to develop custom solutions. We support industry and government sponsors in the following areas:

- Consulting and sponsored R&D in all aspects of ultrasonics and signal processing
- NDE inspection of manufactured parts for quality assurance
- Development and demonstration of on-line measurements for process monitoring
- Design, fabrication, qualification, and testing of ultrasonic and acoustic systems
- Identification of hardware and software measurement systems to meet specific needs
- Custom sensor and system development


Human Motivation, Learning and Development
DRI conducts "applications-driven" research, development, and evaluation in the areas of human motivation, learning, and development so that research-validated principles can be used to enhance human potential and performance. The Center draws on the multi-disciplinary expertise of University of Denver faculty and other recognized experts and organizations working in the same areas. Center activities are directed at teachers and learners of all ages, kindergarten through college and beyond. Learner- and person-centered models for addressing human motivation, learning, and development needs are applied within a living systems framework. Specific areas of focus in which the research-validated learner-centered principles and practices are applied include:

- Professional Development
- School Violence Prevention
- Systemic Educational Reform
- Personal and Organizational Change

Semiconductor Devices and Photovoltaic Technology: Measurement and Theory

- Photovoltaic and Microelectronic Devices
- Recombination Lifetime: Measurement and Theory

DRI has the expertise to work on all phases and types of semiconductor devices. The devices range from MOS-based technologies to solar cells. We offer specialization in photovoltaic technology material and device characterization. The range of materials varies from high quality float zone silicon and epitaxial GaAs to polycrystalline thin films. An area of particular specialization is the analysis and measurement of the minority-carrier lifetime in all of these materials.

DRI researchers have developed the time-resolved photoluminescence technique for application to lifetime measurements for direct bandgap semiconductors such as GaAs and CdTe and invented a novel novel technique in the mid 1990s called resonance coupled photoconductive decay (RCPCD).

For more information, contact Dr. Richard Ahrenkiel through the Department of Physics website.