Wide-Field-of-View (WFOV) Sensor with Improved Solar Exclusion

ABSTRACT: The objective of the proposed SBIR program is to develop techniques to improve stray light rejection and reduce the solar exclusion angle for space-based optical observation of satellites using a wide field-of-view (WFOV) sensor. InView Technology Corporation proposes to develop, build, demonstrate, and ultimately deploy a compact, inexpensive, WFOV sensor that overcomes many of the limitations of existing solutions. This proposal describes a non-traditional technique employing Compressive Sensing (CS) imaging and a micro-mirror device to locate the sun and prevent its light from reaching the imaging detector. This CS approach can also adaptively adjust the data acquisition sub-system of the camera to optimize image dynamic range, using an approach which is not practical for a camera using a focal plane array. BENEFIT: Compressive Sensing shifts significant portions of the system performance requirements from the focal plane array (FPA) to both less expensive and less-exotic commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components and to well-understood software. The end result of CS is a cheaper and higher performance sensor and imaging system. Another result is the employment of a compact and dynamically configurable modulation device which can be used for active solar exclusion. InView will apply the technology developed under this SBIR to additional opportunities in the commercial space. Ideal candidates are sensing of areas for security or safety reasons, and for astronomy research.