Multi-Spectral Flickerless DMD-Based Scene Projector

ABSTRACT:OPTRA is proposing to design, build and test a dual-band infrared scene projector based on digital micromirror device (DMD) technology. DMDs are an ideal spatial modulator for scene projection applications that require high frame rates and fast radiance rise/fall times. DMDs offer further advantages of applicability in the spectral regions from ultraviolet through mid-wave infrared, and are commercially available off-the-shelf items. During the Phase I effort, OPTRA developed an innovative means of using DMDs to generate flickerless grayscale images thereby effectively addressing a common criticism of this scene projection technology. Provisional specifications call for operation in the 3-5m spectral region with future extension into the visible region. The OPTRA scene projector will use innovative OPTRA techniques to eliminate the temporal intensity modulation associated with PWM. The Phase II prototype will offer >6-bits grayscale resolution, 22kHz frame rates, 300W/(cm2sr) pupil radiance and radiance rise and fall times on the order of several microseconds. The scene projector proposed herein will generate dynamic accurate simulations of operational scenes relevant to the testing of a wide array of sensors, with potential extension into next generation sensor test technology.BENEFIT:The scene projector proposed herein will be able to generate dynamic accurate simulations of operational scenes relevant to the testing of a wide array of sensors currently under development, with potential extension into next generation sensor test technology.