Multi-Spectral Threat Warning Adjunct Sensor

EPIR and Brimrose propose to design and fabricate multiband infrared adjunct (MIRA) sensors to enhance the detection/identification capability of the existing aviation-threat warning systems. Four spectrometers, arranged in a linear array, are designed to cover the wavelength range from ultraviolet to long-wave infrared. Each spectrometer is an integration of an acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF) with either a Si- or HgCdTe (MCT)- based photo-detector (PD). The major advantages of the proposed MIRA sensor are: (1) variable spectral resolution; (2) programmable working wavelength ranges; (3) immunity to mechanical vibrations due to the monolithic AOTF device structure; and (4) low size, weight, and power consumption (SWaP). The design of the major components was successfully completed in Phase I. Our efforts in Phase II will be concentrated on: (1) fabrication of MCT PDs packaged in transistor-outline (TO) cans for optimal performance; (2) fabrication of AOTF and the front- and back optics for each channel; (3) assembly of a prototype MIRA sensor; (4) characterization at component, subsystem, and system level; and (5) optimization and prototyping of the hardware and software control system.. The final goal of the Phase II is to demonstrate the prototype MIRA sensor.