Advanced Third Generation Midwave Sensor Control Architecture

Night vision sensors have become ubiquitous in military, security, and commercial systems. Motivated by the growing body of evidence that suggests  that existing midwave sensors are not configured to produce optimal image contrast over a wide range of operating temperatures and dynamic ranges, a research and development project is proposed. This project will result in the careful characterization of the performance characteristics of a high-performance midwave sensor in laboratory and outdoor settings. The resulting performance data will then drive the design of control algorithms to achieve optimal sensor contrast over the entire range of operating conditions. Near real time prototypes of these algorithms will be developed on a PC workstation with the intent of implementing a hardware solution at a future date. This technology has the potential to dramatically improve the performance of many different classes of image sensors. The commercialization potential includes significant niches in the markets of security, law enforcement, industrial process control, and aerospace. BENEFITS: Higher performance midwave infrared cameras. Technology applies to military, aerospace, security, law enforcement, industrial process control, and automotive industries.