Areté was founded in 1976 to answer a DOD call to help solve the challenge of finding weak signals in heavy clutter over a very wide area. The signatures involved in this work were so weak that any advancement in signal processing algorithms demanded a fundamental understanding of the underlying phenomenology affecting the available sensors in the specific environment of interest. This first-principles-of-physics approach has been a hallmark of Areté’s development programs for the past 35+ years.
Building on our expertise in signature, environment, and sensor phenomenology, Areté was able to appreciate and exploit the spatial, spectral, and temporal domains, incorporating them into our signal processing algorithms. These robust algorithms enable Areté to integrate sensor signals over relevant spatial domains and time constants, in effect “stacking” images to beat down clutter and enhance the target signal. With the advent of digital sensors and accurate GPS, Areté can now translate these signal processing algorithms to a broad set of signatures and sensors, including radar, Electro-Optical and Infrared imagery sensors, exploiting dwell to enhance detectability.
Areté now works in all non-acoustic sensor regimes, including RF, EO/IR, and magnetics, developing signal processing algorithms and executable software for sensor systems that operate under water, in the atmosphere, and in space.
In 1992, Areté extended its capabilities to include development and delivery of advanced electro-optic sensor systems. Such development includes the Areté patented Streak Tube Imaging LIDAR (STIL), which was designed and is currently in production in our Tucson facility. This sensor is employed by U.S. Navy Mine Countermeasure Systems such as the Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS) and the AN/AQS-20A Electro-Optical Identification sensor. Areté has also developed a wide variety of airborne passive EO/IR systems (Ultraviolet through Long Wave Infrared) for challenging remote sensing applications.
With its emphasis on enhanced signal processing and executable software, Areté is able to improve the performance of existing sensor systems at a fraction of the cost of replacement systems. We work directly with customers across the U.S. Government and partner with other Defense companies who desire to incorporate our technologies into their systems for improved performance.