Innovative Methods for Limited Dynamic Range Optical Detectors to More Effectively Operate in High Dynamic Range Environments

To address the USN need for increased dynamic range in the ALMDS receiver, TSG proposes to use a trade study centered on the receiver back-end camera: a focal plane array (FPA) and its data processing architecture.The Phase 1 study will select the optimum FPA and design a camera with it. The trade study will use an innovative set of improvements that incrementally expand receiver subsystem performance in sensitivity, noise, resolution and fixed pattern noise. This validation leverages existing physical models of the receiver and the environment, and focuses on the existing camera-tube assembly as a base for high payoff, low risk incremental upgrades. The innovation in STIL-optimized CMOS imaging and streak tube integration will enable the program to significantly advance its detection performance without incurring excessive TRL risk. In Phase I, TSG will exercise models and conduct lab experiments with in house technology to produce a camera design and Phase 2 plan of action. In Phase II, TSG will build and test the new camera.In Phase 3, TSG will work with the program to displace the current production model using the Phase 2 camera design.