Dual-band Infrared Projector

The goal is to develop a dual-waveband (long-wave and mid-wave infrared) flickerless scene projector based on membrane-mirror-on-VLSI spatial light modulator technology. Two very high resolution modulators are combined in a novel zero-order pass spatial filtering system to achieve true simultaneous dual-band scene projection. The modulators employ a spatially continuous deformable mirror surface that offers continuous analog gray-scale light modulation. This gives a more realistic rendition of the scene than the pulse-width-modulation scheme offered by others. This Phase I program: (1) develops modifications to our existing high-voltage VLSI circuit substrates, (2) re-engineers the modified membrane-mirror-on-VLSI modulator for low-voltage (~ 20V) operation at mid-mid-infrared wavelengths, (3) develops the scene-generation software and hardware interfaces needed to project simultaneous dual-band scenes, and (4) begins exploratory work on the Phase II projector with performance goals that include: 2,000:1 contrast ratio, 1000x1000 pixels, 120 Hz framing rate and flickerless operation with at least a 15° field of view.