High Speed Wide-Field-of-View Small Target Tracking Sensor

Various techniques have been explored extensively to develop sensors for target surveillance and tracking applications. Radars working in electromagnetic radiation waveband have been greatly advanced. However, since the applied wavelength of these sensors is relatively large, radars are only suitable to detect and track large, far or well spaced objects, such as ballistic missiles, air or land vehicles, vessels, etc. There is a continuing need to develop innovative sensor that is able to recognize and track small, closely located and fast moving objects in real time at short to intermediate ranges, which can be applied to small projectile and gunfire locating. To resolve small objects, the applied wavelengths must be shorter than radio frequency wave, which is falling in optical wavebands. Existing optical sensors are not satisfied with all requirements for high speed wide field of view small target acquisition and tracking. New Span Opto-Technology Inc. proposes herein a novel sensor concept that is capable of simultaneously providing the required wide viewing angle and high spatial resolution with fast response. Implementation of the proposed concept will provide improved reliability, compact system packaging, and low cost. In Phase I we will demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed concept.