Energetic Event Sensor for Surveillance and Reconnaissance

Solid State Scientific Corporation is pleased to propose this Phase I SBIR program to extend the development of a unique multi-spectral non-imaging sensor prototype based on Cross Dispersion Prism (CDP) technology for the detection and classification of energetic battlefield events. The proposed sensor will simultaneously acquire the spectral content of all energetic point targets within the sensor field of view at high frame rates. The sensor will employ a single camera and a novel prismatic optical element that will allow the sensor to operate simultaneously in both the visible/SWIR and MWIR bands with moderate spectral resolution, approximately 100 spectral samples per band. Using a custom optical system design and COTS electronics and camera package, the proposed spectral sensor will be lightweight, portable, rugged and suitable for airborne testing. The sensor system, including optics will weigh approximately 25 pounds and not require a liquid coolant. BENEFIT: A sensor that detects and classifies energetic events and provides real time geo-location information from aircraft will be a useful adjunct sensor for persistent surveillance platforms. Current assets generate large amounts of sensor data that must be processed by automated algorithms or human operators. Cueing the algorithms and operators to portions of the data that are likely to contain targets will have wide application in sensor management and optimization.