LWIR Grating Spectrometer for Threat Warning

OPTRA proposes the development of a hyperspectral imager based on a grating spectrometer operating in the long-wave infrared region in response to the Air Force’s need for an energetic 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 and propellant spectral signatures. The proposed technology is compact, contains no moving parts, and provides rapid spatial and constituent information of energetic events, thereby making it an ideal solution to the needs of the Air Force. The Phase I will produce an analytical model predicting the performance of the system as well as requirements and a conceptual design for a prototype system to be built during the Phase II. 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.