SURFACE OPTICS CORP. — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: A17-047

Description

A program to develop a High-definition, Long-wave Infrared hyperspectral imager (HiLI) is proposed.The proposed effort builds upon Surface Optics real-time hyperspectral imaging activities, including our work in MWIR and LWIR spectral imaging technology and our MIDIS hyperspectral image processor.Providing at least 1024 x 1024 spatial resolution with at least 128 bands from 8 um to 13 um, the system is ideal for identifying and tracking various targets, including chemicals 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 high-definition infrared hyperspectral imager; the system will include a rugged LWIR hyperspectral imager plus the real-time hyperspectral (HS) data processor.The proposed effort represents an extension of Surface Optics 25 years experience in hyperspectral imager design, and miniaturization of SOCs patented real-time hyperspectral image processor for real-time hyperspectral discrimination.By building on Surface Optics Corporations experience in hyperspectral imaging system development, sensor development, and algorithm development, the proposed program will produce a new high-definition LWIR hyperspectral imager of unsurpassed capability.