High Dynamic Range Infrared Projector for HILS

We propose a phase II to develop a high dynamic range infrared (IR) scene projector (HIRSP) for hardware-in-the-loop simulation (HILS) of advanced seekers that will encounter an enormous range of intensities from targets, backgrounds and countermeasures. Capable of a dynamic range of 1,000,000, the HIRSP consists of a dense array of micro interferometers fabricated by MEMS (micro electro-optical mechanical system) and CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) processes. It modulates an IR laser to produce a dense array of high intensities for projection. Phase II will produce a fully operational HIRSP by fabricating the array with on-chip circuits supported by projection optics. The resultant projector will produce a product for the next generation of HILS as well as for communications, gas sensing and thermal imaging markets.