Infrared Hyperspectral Linear Array Sensor

The objective of this U.S. Army Armament RD&E Center (ARDEC) Phase I SBIR proposal is to “Develop a new, rugged, low cost, low power, and preferably uncooled hyperspectral infrared sensor that can be implemented into various munitions in order to detect and negate targets more effectively.” The Surface Optics Corporation (SOC) team is currently developing a novel hyperspectral imaging (HSI) camera approach which will result in a moderate-cost, rugged HSI sensor with no moving parts, good spatial resolution, high frame rate, and overcomes the warm optics problems of other 8 to 12 micron hyperspectral imagers. The prototype LWIR HyperSensor will be designed to support the top and frontal attack of threat vehicles with a smart HSI sensor guided and activated munitions to be deployed on various ground or airborne platforms. The proposed sensor concept provides the potential for real-time detection and identification of various threat vehicles based upon their 3 to 5 and 8 to 12 micron spectral and spatial signatures.