Miniature Multiple Aperture Camera

To address the Army’s need for a small form-factor camera that can provide a high-resolution image over a wide field of view (FOV), resulting in higher detection and classification of unexploded ordnance, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Miniature Multiple Aperture Camera (MiniMAC). This proposed MiniMAC is based on novel hybrid lens concepts that have high precision optics and unique compound-eye design, which provide high resolution and wide FOV. The innovation in high-precision diffractive and highly aspheric plastic optics and compound eyes, based on focal plane array (FPA) tiling and reorientation, will enable the MiniMAC to widen the FOV to a 180 x 90 deg. high-resolution (submicron), small form-factor camera. Thus, POC’s MiniMAC offers a small form factor, high-resolution, low-power wide FOV camera that directly addresses the Army’s requirements. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of MiniMAC by optical and numerical simulation, component selection, and prototype implementation. Trade-offs will be established for finding best combination of FOV, resolution, and sensitivity while keeping size, weight and power (SWaP) requirements. In Phase II, POC plans to further develop the system designed in Phase I, and to deliver the fabricated MiniMAC system to the Army.