Low-cost Multi-spectral Infrared Sensor for Mobile Footprint Detection

Spectrum Photonics will utilize our 20 years of experience in developing and employing multi-spectral disturbed earth sensors to develop a vehicle-mounted, low-cost mobile footprint detector. To meet the specifications described in the SBIR topic, our team will develop a multi-spectral long wave infrared sensor that will exploit the restrstrahlen effect for the silicate-based soils that dominate the southern border between the United States and Mexico. The sensor will operate while integrated onto a vehicle moving up to 25 mph in both daytime and nighttime conditions. The sensor is intended to be cost-effective with a targeted price of $1,000 per installed device. Our project will focus on the design, development and demonstration of a prototype mobile footprint detection system, with the end result being a final technical report that includes demonstration results, demonstration anomalies (e.g., not conducted at desired speed or rugged environment), anticipated costs, and proposed Phase II solutions to address resulting shortcomings and demonstration anomaly issues.