ChemImage Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase II: SB152-006

Description

During Phase I, CISS developed a sensor design for a novel compressive sensing hyperspectral imaging technology called the Reconfigurable Conformal Imaging Sensor (RCIS). RCIS is composed of a CISS-patented HSI spectrometer, the conformal filter (CF), which enables real-time multivariate hyperspectral imaging when combined with CISS dual polarization (DP) technology. RCIS will function in the short wave infrared (SWIR) and will use colloidal quantum dot (CQD) focal plane array (FPA) camera technology, developed by CISS partner, Research Triangle Institute (RTI). CQD FPAs have the potential of providing megapixel imaging at very low cost. In addition, RCIS will rely upon proven algorithms and software capable of autonomous, real-time, and adaptive exploitation of sensor imagery.CISS developed and tested a breadboard array based on the sensor design, which proved that a real-time, cost-effective sensor equipped with a CF and CQD FPA camera, tuned to the appropriate conformation, may be achievable for multiple target materials.For Phase II, the CISS Team will develop two prototypes and provide limited factory, field, and government-led testing (in Phase II Option). One prototype will feature RTIs next generation CQD FPA, and the other the high performance, high cost InGaAs camera, for nighttime/lowlight operations.During Phase I, CISS developed a sensor design for a novel compressive sensing hyperspectral imaging technology called the Reconfigurable Conformal Imaging Sensor (RCIS). RCIS is composed of a CISS-patented HSI spectrometer, the conformal filter (CF), which enables real-time multivariate hyperspectral imaging when combined with CISS dual polarization (DP) technology. RCIS will function in the short wave infrared (SWIR) and will use colloidal quantum dot (CQD) focal plane array (FPA) camera technology, developed by CISS partner, Research Triangle Institute (RTI). CQD FPAs have the potential of providing megapixel imaging at very low cost. In addition, RCIS will rely upon proven algorithms and software capable of autonomous, real-time, and adaptive exploitation of sensor imagery.CISS developed and tested a breadboard array based on the sensor design, which proved that a real-time, cost-effective sensor equipped with a CF and CQD FPA camera, tuned to the appropriate conformation, may be achievable for multiple target materials.For Phase II, the CISS Team will develop two prototypes and provide limited factory, field, and government-led testing (in Phase II Option). One prototype will feature RTIs next generation CQD FPA, and the other the high performance, high cost InGaAs camera, for nighttime/lowlight operations.