Hyperspectral Omnidirectional Periscope

To address the Navy need for a new omnidirectional periscope for submarines, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new HyperSpectral OmniDirectional Camcorder (HSODC). This proposed system is based on the unique optical design that makes the HSODC fully compatible with the developed and tested optical bench in the photonic mast periscope. The HSODC will offer a 360 degree field of view in horizon and -15 degrees to +55 degrees in elevation in any part of the visible, NIR, and MWIR spectral intervals simultaneously while providing crisp panoramic spectral images as well as a processed synthetic image with enhanced visibility of potential targets. The system will have minimal latency and will allow use of the conventional narrow field of view telescope with the same set of imaging cameras. It will fit the photonic mast dimensions and will have an extended lifetime of over 20,000 hours MTBF. In Phase I POC will demonstrate the feasibility of HSODC by designing, fabricating, and testing a HSODC prototype. In Phase II POC plans to develop a fully operational HSODC prototype and demonstrate its operation. BENEFITS: The proposed HSODC will enhance the situational awareness of a submerged submarine and will improve its reconnaissance capabilities. It will cue the conventional telescopic system in a periscope assembly and missile and aircraft protection systems in the case of specific threats from any direction around the submarine. The HSODC will also find applications for surface ship security, in military vehicles, and for base protection. Simplified HSODC versions will be useful for homeland security applications and for environmental monitoring.