Compact, Attritable, Midwave Hyperspectral Imager (CAM-HSI)

Spectral Sciences, Inc. (SSI) has developed a design for, and proven feasibility of, a compact, push broom style, midwave infrared (MWIR) hyperspectral imager (HSI) capable of spectral detection and identification of ground targets from an altitude of 6 km (20,000 ft). To meet the high sensitivity requirement for long-range detection, the sensor uses a high-throughput, high-resolution cryo-cooled spectrograph with a low-noise MWIR focal plane array (FPA). The sensor design has diffraction limited spatial and spectral resolution over the primary spectral range of interest of 3-5.1 microns and a noise equivalent spectral radiance (NESR) of 1 microflick sampling at 100 Hz with 3.75 nm spectral channels.   We have developed a roadmap for building and testing a prototype sensor in Phase II to demonstrate the optical performance and detection sensitivity.  This would serve as a first step to a ruggedized Phase III sensor for incorporation in a tactical gimbal that can be used on attritable platforms.  Such a sensor would have tremendous advantages compared to other HSI sensors in that almost all materials have sharp, identifiable features in the MWIR spectral range.