Real Time, Long Focal Length Compact Multispectral Imager

ABSTRACT: Solid State Scientific Corporation (SSSC) is pleased to propose this SBIR program to design and develop a compact, long focal length, real-time, multi-spectral imaging sensor prototype for enhanced intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance (ISR) from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The spectral bands in the proposed multi-spectral design are tuned to detect the anomalies from vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during the day. At night, the spectral bands will support low-light level and active imaging. By leveraging the experience SSSC has garnered in micro-optics, the proposed multi-spectral sensor will have a long focal length but yet be as compact as a one color broad band sensor. The resulting spectral imager will simultaneously image four application-specific color bands in the Near Infrared-Short Wave Infrared (NIR-SWIR) band, and employ a 1280 x 1024 staring camera to capture one spectral data cube during each frame of the camera. The sensor will be equipped with the first ever real-time optical zoom capability over the range of 75-150mm. The sensor will be designed for integration into an existing payload on a Program of Record platform. BENEFIT: The new sensor will be compact which will result in decreased SWaP requirements compared to current systems. The multispectral system will include zoom capability which is advantageous for UAV ISR CONOPS. The specific application for the proposed imaging sensor is ISR including vehicle-borne IED detection, anomaly detection, low-light level and active imaging. Other potential applications for defense purposes include imaging through fog and smoke as well as situational awareness. In addition, we anticipate possible applications in law enforcement, homeland defense, and wildlife management.