Wide-Field-of-View Collection Optics for Infrared Surveillance from Geosynchronous Orbit

A program to develop a dual-band SWIR/MWIR wide-field-of-view optical system for use in space-based surveillance systems is proposed. The proposed Dual-Band Infrared Detection System (D-BIDS) builds upon Surface Optics¡¦ real-time multi-spectral and hyperspectral imaging activities, including the DuoChrome SWIR/MWIR imager, QuadraChrome 4-band wide-FOV threat sensor, and the Multi-band Identification and Discrimination Imaging Spectroradiometer (MIDIS). Providing a 20¢X field of view and capable of supporting a 4K x 4K focal plane with 18 ƒÝm pixels, this optical system provides full-earth viewing from geosynchronous orbit. The design also allows for additional spectral bands with reduced spatial resolution. For example, eight spectral bands can be provided with a 2K x 2K spatial resolution. Active exclusion of arbitrary numbers of bright objects (sun, sun glint, fires, flares, etc) is also incorporated into the system. Based upon requirements for simultaneous SWIR/MWIR imaging over a 20¢X FOV, SOC will conduct a preliminary design of the D-BIDS optical system. Continuing work under Phase II will produce the optical system, ready for integration with a large format FPA. The proposed effort represents an extension of Surface Optics¡¦ 16 years experience in multispectral and hyperspectral imager design. By building on Surface Optics Corporation¡¦s experience in multispectral and hyperspectral imaging system development, sensor development, and algorithm development, the proposed program will produce a new sensor system which will greatly augment space-based surveillance systems such as SBIRS