IR Step and Stare Imager Development

This proposal describes the development and fabrication of a step and stare mid-wave infrared (MWIR) imaging system. The system employs ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) optical shutters and a 3x3 array of lenses for imaging one of nine different look directions onto a focal plane array. Each image tile represents approximately a 6 degree by 6 degree field of view. By virtue of its architecture, the proposed design provides high resolution imaging over a 17.5 degree by 17.5 degree field of regard using nonmechanical, random access scanning with virtually no settling time (i.e. no slewing, overshoot or ringing). The shutter array operates with unpolarized broadband radiation, has fast (submillisecond) response and provides continuous operation (no duty cycle issues due to DC balancing).