Computational Imaging for Laser Intensity Reduction at CCD Focal Planes

Applied Science Innovations, Inc. proposes development of the Coded-Aperture, Laser Irradiation Tolerant Imaging Sensor (CALITIS) – a novel, computational imaging technique to protect CCD sensors from damage by frequency-agile pulsed lasers. In a conventional camera, collimated laser beam converges into a small point damaging the CCD. The proposed CALITIS will use new computational imaging, with appropriate optical-wavefront modulator and processing routines and hardware. The system performance will exceed standard optical while reducing incident fluence on CCD by seven to eight orders of magnitude, across the operating spectrum of the CCD and beyond. Processing at CCD frame rates will be provided. The patent-pending CALITIS technology features extremely light weight and simplicity, relaxed alignment tolerances, low cost, resistance to shock and vibration, and an extremely broad temperature range. Additional benefits include virtually infinite depth of field and tolerance to point and line defects in the detector array. Phase I will establish feasibility of the CALITIS concept. In Phase II, a functional preproduction CALITIS prototype will be developed and delivered to the Army for evaluation and use. In Phase III, CALITIS design will be productized, to enhance overall force protection, into optical sensors used in military operations and homeland security.