High Throughput Processor for Imaging FTIR Spectrometers

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) proposes to develop and evaluate three conceptual designs for fast, high throughput processing electronics for use with imaging Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometers. The processing architecture concepts will be developed around Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) and Cell Broadband Engine (Cell BE) processors. In the Phase I program, we will develop conceptual designs and conduct feasibility and performance simulations of associated hardware. The hardware function will be to convert interferograms into radiometricly-calibrated spectra and to apply detection algorithms to render detection decisions, i.e., decide “threat absent” or “threat present”, with respect to a set of specified threat agents using the calibrated data. Detection decisions will be made using a spectral-matching-based detection algorithm. Hardware concepts will be developed to support processing of thousands of 4 cm-1 resolution spectra at rates >100 Hz and will be compatible with FTIR operation in harsh environments, e.g., extreme environmental conditions and high vibration environments characteristic of military vehicles and aircraft.