AOTF LWIR Hyperspectral Imager

Under a Phase II program, DRS Scientific will build, test, and deliver a new type of Acousto-Optic Tuned Filter (AOTF) hyperspectral imager that is compact, rugged, and inexpensive, has no moving parts, and is fast and sensitive. It will cover 8-12 micron wavelength range with 10 wavenumber spectral resolution or finer, and will have micro-Flick sensitivity with a cooled camera, and <50 micro-Flick with an uncooled camera. The AOTF uses the isotropic material AMTIR-1, and operates on principles completely different than birefringent material AOTFs. With isotropic materials, AOTFs will no longer be constrained to small, expensive, poor quality crystals that perform poorly. It will have low cost and simplicity, a large optical aperture, nontoxic materials, and easy fabrication. Minimal coupling optics are required, which will reduce optical losses and emission along with cost, and allow for a compact sensor that can be handheld. The remainder of the system is electronics and software.