Frequency Agile Narrow-band Infrared Absorber(1001-612)

The Air Force desires a narrowband tunable absorber which can be placed in the optical path to block undesired wavelengths while allowing ambient IR to pass undiminished. Triton Systems working with a university laboratory will design and construct a novel tunable narrow band absorber which theoretically is capable of OD 8 at the blocked line while transmitting the remainder of the band with low insertion loss. A novel tunable mechanism will provide for tuning throughout the 3-5 m range with kHz speed. In Phase I a laboratory proof of principle of the filter will be designed, built and characterized. The new tuning mechanism will be computationally designed. Triton will work with a major prime contractor to evaluate the technology for insertion into existing AF platforms. A complete prototype device will be fabricated and tested in Phase II. BENEFIT: The commercial infrared market is expanding rapidly due to the availability of low cost uncooled sensors for industry and security applications. The tunable IR device developed here will be used with IR cameras for purposes such as locating gas leaks in factories, refineries and pipelines, and in spectroscopy and medical instrumentation.