Multifunction, High Resolution, High Frame Rate Infrared Sensor

A program to develop an advanced multifunction, high resolution, high speed sensor capable of operating simultaneously in the MWIR and LWIR bands is proposed. The proposed system builds upon Surface Optics' real-time hyperspectral imaging and dual-band imaging activities, modifying the high-speed camera electronics developed for these imagers, and integrating them with Rockwell Scientific's new TCM6504 high-speed 512x640 FPA. Capable of 200 frames-per-second (fps) operation at 512 x 512 resolution, and 17,000 fps when windowed down to 32 x 32 resolution, the proposed imager is ideal for a wide variety of applications, including detection and tracking. Already preliminarily designed under the Phase I effort, the High-Speed IR (HiSIR) DuoChrome Camera will be designed in detail, manufactured, and tested during Phase II. Leveraging proven electronics, proven optical design, and an existing focal plane rather than developing a completely new focal plane and imager minimizes development risk, ensuring that this effort will produce a high-performance dual-band imager by the end of the Phase II program. By building on Surface Optics Corporation's and Rockwell Scientific's combined decades experience in high-speed imaging system development, sensor development, and algorithm development, the proposed program will produce a new high-speed dual-band imager of unsurpassed capability, with varied military and commercial applications.