ChemImage Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: A16-011

Description

CISS proposes a sensor that combines a Shortwave Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging (SWIR HSI) sensor based on Dual Polarization Conformal Filtering (DP CF) with a Raman HSI capability equipped with a Fiber Array Spectral Translator Spatial Heterodyne Spectrometer (FAST SHS). This multimodal system, called M-SHIELD, will provide real-time standoff detection and identification of explosives, from residue to bulk levels, while also offering features that ensure full-spectrum deployability, sensor fusion, and low cost.SWIR HSI provides a rapid, wide area targeting capability while Raman HSI provides a unique molecular fingerprint that allows for unambiguous target identification. To address eye-safety concerns, the proposed effort will incorporate a FAST SHS. SHS is a slit-less spectrometer similar to a Michelson interferometer, but requires no moving parts. Merging FAST with SHS yields a novel wide-area hyperspectral Raman sensor capable of yielding high spectral resolution in a small form factor while using defocused (i.e., eyesafe) laser excitation. By combining DP CF SWIR HSI with SHS-FAST and by fusing the associated data, offers a revolutionary, portable approach to detecting and identifying explosive threats within 50-100 meters.