Nano-Optical Elements for Multi-Mode Detectors

Prime Research and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte propose to devevelop space-variant nano-optical elements to integrate passive spectral and polarization filters directly into infrared focal plane arrays. This novel technology will enable multi-mode detection by allowing pixels to be uniquely tuned for wavelength and polarization across a focal plane array using a simple fabrication process that is suitable for volume production. Diffraction-free photonic crystals will perform the filtering functions while dramatically reducing blurring and interaction between adjacent pixels. Key performance goals are broadband operation, reduced diffraction effects, and consistent behavior at oblique angles of incidence. Exploratory concepts include incorporating zero-thickness materials to achieve angle-insensitive filtering. The proposed technology promises revolutionary advances in remote sensing, surveillance, target discrimination, imaging, spectroscopy, and more. BENEFIT: By integrating nano-optical structures into detector arrays, additional degrees of freedom will be given to imaging systems to control and manipulate light. Wavelength and polarization diversity will enable systems to identify and improve image quality of man-made objects in cluttered or low-contrast environments. Other applications of computational and diversity imaging techniques include improving depth-of-focus, restoring distorted images, or determining additional properties about objects such as surface qualities, spatial position and orientation, and velocity. Aside from imaging, the emerging field of computational spectroscopy will directly benefit because the ¡§fingerprint¡¨ region for molecular resonance is in the 2 to 20 ƒÝm region. The proposed technology will also give these systems additional degrees of freedom to interrogate samples, multiplex experiments, and manipulate their spectral signatures. Outside of DoD and Homeland Security, the proposed technology promise many applications in law enforcement, astronomy, medicine, and more.