LWIR Grating Spectrometer for Threat Warning

OPTRA proposes to build a hyperspectral imager based on a long-wave infrared (LWIR) grating spectrometer in response to the Air Force’s need for a flash event sensor. The grating multiplexes the use of an imaging array to enable rapid and simultaneous collection of both spatial and spectral information about the event. The spatial information is used to ascertain the location of the event, while the spectral information will be used to distinguish between events of interest and false alarms by exploiting explosive, propellant and by-product spectral signatures. The proposed technology is compact, contains no moving parts, and provides rapid spatial and constituent information about energetic events, thereby making it an ideal solution to the Air Force’s needs. The proposed technology represents an improvement over flash event detectors operating in the mid-wave infrared based on better visibility over long ranges in inclement weather as well as better specificity of explosives and byproducts. Our approach also offers novel information about flash events since little research has been performed in this wavelength range. During the Phase II program OPTRA will design, build and test a fully functioning LWIR threat warning sensor. BENEFIT: In addition to applications in all branches of the armed forces, the proposed technology could also be used by homeland security and civilian police forces. The threat warning sensor could be used to autonomously monitor high value targets or high crime areas, as well as provide situational awareness in hostage situations.