Cryo-Vacuum Infrared Projection System

To address the Air Force need for an infrared (IR) projection system for wide field of view (FOV) sensor testing in space simulation chambers, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Cryo-Vacuum Infrared Projection (CIRP) System.  This proposed device is based on multispectra scene projector (MSSP) and advanced wide FOV hyperspectral zoom optics subsystem that provide unresolved targets at selected temperatures and about 20 microradian angular extent in a wide FOV over 20 degrees at 20 K and 10^(-6) Torr cryo-vacuum conditions.  The innovation in the miniature optical design and its integration with MSSP will enable the system to provide realistic and repeatable operation-type test scenarios in a controlled synthetic environment tailored to IR reconnaissance, surveillance, and target-acquisition sensors over a broadband IR region (1-25 micron) at a frame rate >60 Hz, which directly addresses the Air Force requirements.  In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of CIRP by fabricating and testing a proof-of-concept prototype and its capability of operation at cryo-vacuum conditions.  In Phase II, POC plans to develop and demonstrate a fully functional engineering prototype that will meet Air Force requirements for cryo-vacuum conditions and for wide FOV sensor testing applications. BENEFITS: Military applications will include testing applications and radiometric modification of space system characteristics; military countermeasures; airborne reconnaissance and surveillance; interceptor sensor systems; and target recognition.  The proposed CIRP system can be incorporated, for example, by the U.S. Air Force, into the IR Target/background Scene Projection System in AEDCs 10 V Closed-Loop Sensor Test Chamber for assessing multiband electro-optic sensor performance against evolving threats in realistic operation scenarios. Commercial applications will include industrial security, process control in the food and drug industries, and satellite industries.