Photonic Broad Band IR Scene Generator

This proposal addresses a novel photonic approach to the high performance IR scene generator. The revolutionary design has intrinsic advantages of broadband, high apparent temperature, compactness, high spatial resolution, low background temperature and noise, high reliability, and low cost, as compared with the competitive approaches. The device design overcomes the major shortcomings of the current devices, offering high apparent temperature and a non-flickering image. The program leverages recent progresses on IR optical guiding and optical component as well as MEMS manufacturing technologies. In Phase I, we will perform detailed concept design and implement a proof of concept advanced IR projecting system to evaluate the feasibility.