Compound Eye Spectral Imager

To address DARPA's need for a handheld compact optical camera for multispectral imaging, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Compound Eye Spectral Imager (CESI) based on compound eye optics innovatively implemented using holographic filters to provide a high spectral resolution multi-spectral micro-optic imager. This system is based on the integration of a micro-lens array, holographic multi-band filters and conventional CMOS sensors into one 3 cubic millimeter ultra-thin, wide-angle field-of-view (>45 degrees) multispectral camera. This innovative design results in a significantly lighter (<0.5 lbs), durable optical system, suitable for use in Army UGVs. Advanced processing software provides enhanced capabilities for ground Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of CESI by assembling and testing a TRL 4 prototype ultra-thin imaging module, which will operate in the visible and near-infrared wavelength window range of 400-1000 nm. In Phase II, POC plans to refine the CESI technology and to develop a TRL 5-6 system with increased FOV, suitable for U.S. Army field testing.