Miniature Multiple Aperture Camera

To address the Armys need for a small-form-factor camera that can provide a high-resolution image over a wide field of view (WFOV), resulting in higher detection and classification of UXO, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to advance the development of the Miniature Multiple Aperture Camera (MiniMAC) proven feasible in Phase I. MiniMAC is based on high-precision optics and compound-eye design, providing high resolution and WFOV. The innovations in using the high-precision, diffractive, and highly aspheric compound-eye optics and focal-plane-array tiling enable the MiniMACs FOV (180 deg x 90 deg), high-resolution (submicron), and small form-factor to directly meet the Armys requirements. In Phase I, POC successfully demonstrated the feasibility of the MiniMAC system by simulation, component development, and building a working proof-of-concept prototype, showing a scalable WFOV of>180 deg x 90 deg, with resolution capable of acquiring 1 cm detail at 10 m distance. In Phase II, POC will further develop a modular system that can be included in precision, tactical/protective networked munitions, enabling WFOV and resolution in handheld or robotic applications. POC will deliver to the Army the fabricated MiniMAC Phase II prototype system with SWaP similar to a cell phone, along with a technology transition plan.