High Speed SWIR Scene Projector

ABSTRACT: This SBIR Phase I proposal proposes to develop a High Speed SWIR Scene Projector that can operate at 800 Hz with growth potential to 2 kHz, and a 1024x1024 spatial format scalable to 2kx2k in the future fabrication. The threshold operational region could exceed the specified 1200 to 1800 nm at power level of many microwatts per pixel in the near term and increased performance as future SWIR lasers increase their associated power outputs. Two designs have entered into the consideration: (1) a new low viscosity nemetic-base LC material with sub-millisecond speed, and (2) a novel switched path configuration using Ferro-electric Liquid Crystal which is capable of>1 kHz switching to overcome the FLC 50% duty cycle, resulting in a consistent stable image being projector to the sensor. Whichever approach is down selected after Phase 1 material/component evaluation, the design will incorporate a new larger format LCoS array to be fabricated in the Phase 2. Phase II is to finish the detailed system design and develop the prototype per the Phase I selection. BENEFIT: The near term benefit will directly increase the US military (Air Force, the Army, Navy, and NASA;s) and DoD contractors ability to test faster sensors and in additional spectral bands. While this project is for a military application, the SWIR spectral region is receiving more interest in general due to the unique capabilities and parameters associated with that waveband. The Camera industry is expanding their product offering throughout the IR spectrum for both military and commercial applications, which would benefit from enhanced capabilities of a testing projector device along the lines of the proposed. Furthermore, the fundamental material and component developments in this proposal is applicable across many application areas to 1) enhance the performance of other projectors throughout the visible and IR region; 2) enable higher frame rate visual devices like visible projectors, TV, and cell phones; 3) apply the larger format LCoS array for other pixel display devices including other high temperature larger format projectors across the Spectral band, wide FOV device applications like aerial surveillance, and advanced sensors. The general trend in imaging devices is to exhibit faster and faster rates, needing a faster test system to keep pace with their development. Other commercial customers are looking for a wide FOV and high resolution imaging capability with a high sensitivity and fast speed that can utilize a derivative of the developed components.