MEMS Infrared Hyperspectral Imager

There is a serious need for miniaturized hyperspectral imaging systems that can be used by the soldier in man portable, flown on small Unmanned Arial Vehicles (UAV) or ground robotic instrument (Unmanned Ground Vehicles UGV) applications. Applications include the detection and warning of chemical and biological warfare agents in various forms of threat scenarios from manufacturing to implementation, buried IED"s or forensic analysis of detonated IED"s as well as the detection of IED manufacturing process and plants. Pacific Advanced Technology will develop a MEMS (micro electro mechanical systems) based Fabry-Perot infrared tunable filter to meet the requirements above. We are proposing to use a Fabry-Perot tunable infrared filter that can be programmed to select the spectral bands of interest for the various applications. Phase I will focus on the conceptual design and processing and material constraints on the fabrication of a MEMS based Fabry-Perot infrared tunable filter.