Wavefront Vision Inc — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: A17-128

Description

Small arms round counting, strike detection, projectile trajectory mapping, infrared and visible muzzle flash sensing, and projectile velocity spectrum (subsonic to supersonic) analysis requires a highly accurate sensor capable of locating within one half caliber in strike location detection, and without missed event in iteration counting. We propose our ultra-fast Photon-Sensing Integrated Circuit (PSIC) small arms projectile imager to meet such stringent needs. In order to discern a 1-cm-sized caliber in the trajectory of a projectile moving at the high speed of, say, 2000 m/s, the optical imager will need to support an integration time of 5 micro-seconds or faster. The ultra-fast Photon-Sensing Integrated Circuit (PSIC) small arms projectile imager is proposed to meet the above-mentioned challenge, delivering high speed, low data rate, and low cost in manufacturing quantities. We propose to iteratively design, optimize, fabricate and characterize the PSIC FPA to high speed, and integrate and deliver the PSIC imager to DoD. During Phase III, we will fabricate several technology demonstrator units, deliver to DoD, and continue collaborating with well-established aerospace and defense companies to serve DoD programs of record. Simultaneously, we will pursue commercialization into the civilian commercial market.