1960s – Pioneering Technology

extreme closeup graphic of a portion of Lincoln's face on the penny with lines and colors representing the tiny differences in height

Holographic Laser Radar (HLR) produced the 3-D image of Lincoln's head from a penny. The colors in the image represent height, from red (lowest), through yellow and green, to dark blue (highest). HLR's ability to distinguish differences in micrometers has important implications for industrial inspection and quality control operations.

two researchers in 1960s at a table using scientific equipment

ERIM researchers Emmett Leith and Juris Upatnieks discovered how to make the theory of holography work in practice. The two developed a technique for wavefront recording and reconstruction using lasers, thereby making possible the field now known as holography.

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Seth Bonder

Vector Research, Inc. (VRI) Founder, Chairman, and CEO
1969-2001

"VRI is a high-performance business that consistently demonstrates the power of using scientific approaches to enhance decisionmaking for the planning and operation of public- and private-sector enterprises."

1960s – Pioneering Technology

1962: Institute researchers discover how to make the theory of holography, first described in 1948 by Dennis Gabor, work in practice. Institute researchers develop a technique for wavefront recording and reconstruction using lasers, thereby making possible the field now known as holography. Today, holograms can be found everywhere, from art galleries to airplane cockpits and credit cards.

1962: The Institute founds the International Symposia on Remote Sensing of Environment in Ann Arbor. The presence of renowned scientists like Jacques Cousteau helps make these meetings an important forum for disseminating remote sensing technology.

1969: Vector Research, Inc. (VRI) is formed. University of Michigan College of Engineering professors Seth Bonder, Bob Farrell, and Dave Brophy agree to incorporate VRI with a focus on analysis of national security issues as its main line of business.