Visible to Short Wavelength Infrared Hyperscope for Armaments

A program to develop an advanced, portable hyperspectral imaging sensor integrated with a scope - a ¡§HyperScope¡¨ - capable of detecting camouflaged objects is proposed. The proposed portable HyperScope builds upon Surface Optics¡¦ real-time hyperspectral imaging activities, including the Multi-band Identification and Discrimination Imaging Spectroradiometer (MIDIS) processor and the 3-D Full-Cube HyperSensor focal plane array. Simultaneously sampling 17 to 48 spectral bands from 0.4 ƒÝm to 2.5 ƒÝm over a full 2-D field of 512 x 512 pixels, the system is ideal for accurately measuring and exploiting spectral reflectance differences of tactical targets. Based upon requirements for high-speed simultaneous acquisition of all hyperspectral bands at each pixel in a full 2-D field, compactness, and low power, SOC will conduct a preliminary design of the HyperScope, which will include a compact, rugged, inexpensive 3-D imager plus the real-time hyperspectral (HS) data processor. The proposed effort represents an extension of Surface Optics¡¦ 16 years experience in hyperspectral imager design, and miniaturization of SOC¡¦s patented real-time hyperspectral image processor for real-time hyperspectral discrimination. By building on Surface Optics Corporation¡¦s experience in hyperspectral imaging system development, sensor development, and algorithm development, the proposed program will produce a new highly-portable visible to SWIR HyperScope hyperspectral imager of unsurpassed capability, ideal for detecting camouflaged objects during both day and night.