Adaptive Spectral Imager for the Next Generation EKV

The optical sensor aboard the Exo-atmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV) needs to generate multispectral long-wave infrared (LWIR) images in order to distinguish the re-entrant vehicle from decoys within the threat cloud and the interfering scene clutter. The spectral signatures collected contain information on surface emissivity and target temperature, both important parameters for discrimination algorithms. Spectral Sciences Incorporated (SSI), has demonstrated an instrument in Phase I which produces broadband two-dimensional imagery for target acquisition/tracking, and, simultaneously, multispectral images for discrimination. The number of spectral channels resolved is adjustable in real time, making it possible to adopt different discrimination functions to match specific threat scenarios even during the course of a single mission. The system has high optical throughput, with data rates limited only by the detector readout speed. The instrument has no macro-scale moving parts, and can be built in a robust, small-volume and low-mass package, suitable for integration within the EKV. The Phase II prototype will demonstrate multispectral imaging in the LWIR spectral range with laboratory simulated targets. The technology is generally applicable to any spectral range, from the UV to the LWIR, and therefore is suitable for a wide variety of multispectral imaging applications.