Saturation Suppression Sensor Technology

ABSTRACT: The Saturation Suppression Sensor Technology (S3-TECH) FPA is the centerpiece for a potentially revolutionary technical break-through required in the successful development of improved detection and mitigation of hot target saturation and image degradation effects in imaging sensors. The S3-TECH"s innovative technology will demonstrate breakthroughs in sensor dynamic range management and image processing techniques to mitigate dynamic saturation effects. Cyan Systems will develop the S3 Tech to support enhanced dynamic range in real time and recorded imagery for dynamic range and saturation reconstruction / compensation. Our concepts for automated saturation control will be based on scene statistics and mission requirements. BENEFIT: o Developed Concept for wide dynamic range sensors with full preservation of the hot and dim objects o Develop and characterized novel algorithms which limit saturation while maximize system NEI. o Develop circuitry in the commercial electronics / ROIC to adapt integration time for minimal saturation effects o Develop algorithmic optimization approaches for saturation and high flux scatter compensation to be able view dimmer object directly adjacent to the hot objects in the field off regard. o Demonstrate both radiometric and not radiometric compensation techniques. o Have a Radiation Mitigation Technology robust enough to help with sensors that are actively jammed by lasers or spoofed by high radiance clutter or solar reflections. o S3-TECH will address the main challenges with high flux and dynamic saturation events in imaging sensors, and will be robust enough to be used on a broad variety of MWIR and other imagers in use by the DOD.