Smaller, Lighter, Cheaper: An F/0.9 Compact Un-Cooled MWIR + LWIR Dual-Band Imager

The primary goals of this Phase I effort are to investigate, develop, and characterize a series of compact, lightweight, MWIR + LWIR dual-band imaging sensors enabled by an optically fast innovative design form and to develop an opto-mechanical waveband selection system to allow the user the capability to select between the MWIR only, LWIR only, and full BBIR spectral wavebands. The optical and mechanical properties of these systems, including light gathering capability, spatial resolution, optical distortion, and other system parameters will be modeled and characterized. It is a further goal to identify an appropriate choice for a broadband MWIR + LWIR un-cooled detector and its accompanying electronics package for use in the feasibility demonstration system that will be fabricated and characterized in the Phase II effort.