Bridger Photonics, Inc. — Department of Defense STTR Phase II: Bridger Photonics, Inc. and the University of Arizona have successfully demonstrated a Pha

Description

Bridger Photonics, Inc. and the University of Arizona have successfully demonstrated a Phase I dynamically programmable multi-band compressive imaging system. The team demonstrated three key technical concepts that prove the feasibility of this powerful technology: 1. Advanced algorithms were used to develop compressive measurement basis sets for imaging and target classification. The algorithms and basis sets were validated experimentally with imaging hardware and mock battlespace scenes. 2. Hardware was developed to perform compressive sensing in two spectral bands simultaneously. Images up to 64 x 128 were formed with nearly 10x compression and target detection was performed. 3. A dynamically programmable processor was implemented to enable rapid switching between system tasks and adaptive measurements. Based on the positive outcome of these demonstrations, the team has determined a Phase II prototype design to meet the Army"s Phase II goals. The Phase II system will produce 2-megapixel images with 10x compression in four spectral bands. In addition, the system will use advanced algorithms to provide jointly optimized image reconstruction and classification/detection. The team"s proven expertise and experience with compressive sensing algorithms, imaging hardware, and rapid prototyping will enable the development of state-of-the-art compressive sensing algorithms and hardware during the Phase II effort.