Multi-Band IR Scene Projection Display for Scene Simulation in Hardware-In-the-Loop

This STTR Phase II proposal relates to the development of a Multi-Band IR Scene Projection Display for Scene Simulation in Hardware-In-the-Loop facilities. The focus is to transition Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS) displays to the infrared regime and to develop multi-band projection optics. This projection display enables MDA/AF a much enhanced scene simulation capability for missile interception by allowing a wide dynamic balckbody apparent temperature range from 300 to 3,000 or even higher with a 14-bit grayscale at a video rate in both MDIW and LWIR. With this unprecedented multi-spectral display in place, the cost as well as complexity of MDA Infrared guided interceptor systems is greatly reduced. Other military applications include optical beam steering devices for LADAR, 2D tunable modulators for multi/hyperspectral image systems, and high-speed multispectral modulators for optical correlators. This Phase II program consists of Base and Option portions. In the Base period, LWIR projection display will be developed which is heavily relying on the success of the fast speed high contrast MWIR LCoS development. The Phase II Option is to develop the complete multi-spectral projection display system operting in both LWIR and MWIR. Related liquid crystal material and fabrication procedures for the LCoS will be optimized.