Standoff hyperspectral-imaging sensor for chemical and biological early warning using lenslet arrays

A miniature (5 pounds, 10 watts) LWIR multi-spectral/hyperspectral imaging system will be developed for applications in remote detection and identification of chemical and biological warfare agents, toxic industrial chemicals (TICs), homemade explosives (HMEs) and disturbed soil indicating a buried IED. This small size and power will allow a handheld instrument that can be carried by a dismount or flown on small UAVs. The uniqueness and innovation of this development effort is not only the small size and low power but the addition of simultaneously imaging in 16 different spectral bands each frame of the camera. Simultaneous multi-spectral and rapid collection of hyperspectral image data can be achieved by taking advantage of the state-of-the-art in micro-optic electro machined systems (MOEMS) technology. Utilizing MOEMS technology circular blazed grating lenslet placed inside the dewar and close to the focal plan array are now possible and give the simultaneous multispectral imaging. An additional advantage to this approach is the inherit cooling of the optics which will minimizes the self-radiation of the lenses and maximize sensitivity.