Independently Controlled Broadband IR Source Array

Based a proprietary micro-mechanical optical attenuator that directly integrated on fiber tip, we propose an unconventional broadband independently controlled IR source array for the next generation IR scene generator. The device design is very simple and overcomes the major shortcomings of the current devices, offering high grayscale and a non-flickering image. The design utilized proven commercial optical technology to reduce the program risk, offering intrinsic advantages in speed, operation band, apparent temperature, spatial resolution, background temperature and noise, reliability, and potentially cost as compared with the competitive approaches. In the Phase I program, we will demonstrate a functional prototype 5x5 individually controlled IR light source array having high contrast ratio, fast response, continuous gray scale change, and high apparent temperature. This experimental result will define our innovative design concept, leading to a fully functional system in Phase II.