SURFACE OPTICS CORP. — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: A19-035

Description

A program to develop a compact, high-operating-temperature (HOT) MWIR/MWIR dual-band focalplane imager for threat warning applications is proposed. The Dual-Band Treat Warning Image Sensor (TWIR-2) builds upon Surface Optics’ real-time spectral imaging activities, including our current work in single-FPA dual-band imaging, our 3D full-motion video spectral imaging (FMV-SI) technology, and our MIDIS spectral image processor. Simultaneously producing two MWIR bands over a high resolution two-dimensional field, the system is ideal for identifying threats and for tracking targets of interest to modern warfare. Through a series of trade studies and preliminary design, the proposed program will develop and analyze an optimized design for a compact MWIR/MWIR dual-band imager appropriate for threat warning, seeker sensor, and small UAS target sensing applications; the system will include a compact, rugged, real-time dual-band spectral imager plus the real-time spectral image processor. The proposed effort represents an extension of Surface Optics’ 27 years’ experience in high speed imager design, and miniaturization of SOC’s real-time spectral image processor for real-time target discrimination. By building on Surface Optics Corporation’s experience in spectral imaging system development, sensor development, and algorithm development, the proposed program will produce a new full-motion video dual-band focalplane imager of unsurpassed capability.