Multi-spectral MEMS projector for testing imaging seekers

The goal is to explore and develop physical modifications to Optron's MEMS-on-VLSI membrane-mirror spatial light modulator technology to demonstrate feasibility of a novel, portable, flickerless multi-spectral (UV, visible, and infrared) projector system for testing imaging seekers. The proposed technology approach employs a spatially continuous deformable mirror surface that does not produce the diffraction and scattering artifacts of discrete pixels. The proposed device offers continuous analog gray-scale light modulation that gives a more realistic rendition of the scene than the pulse-width-modulation scheme offered others. In the final system, three devices are combined for true simultaneous multi-spectral projection. The Phase I program: (1) investigates modifications to our existing high-voltage integrated circuitry, (2) redesigns and models the modified MEMS-on-VLSI modulator for UV, visible and infrared readout, (3) designs, fabricates and tests an efficient beam combiner for simultaneous UV/visible/IR projector operation, (4) develops scene-generation software and hardware interfaces needed to project simultaneous multi-wavelength scenes, (5) analyzes and optimizes the trade-space parameters for various scene projection needs, and (6) determine the feasibility of system development for Phase II. Phase II projector performance goals include: 2,000:1 contrast ratio in the IR, 1024 x1024 pixels, 120 Hz framing rate and flickerless operation with at least a 6° field of view.