Moveable Focal Plan Array "Jitterbug Chip"

The "Jitterbug Chip" represents a Moveable Focal Plane Array (MFPA) assembly that provides compensation for image motion in reconnaissance cameras. These motions are due to the aircraft's forward velocity, vibrations, and other perturbations for which the system is not compensated. The approach utilizes movement of the MFPA assembly at the focal plane based on sensor information received both external to the assembly as well as within the assembly. This data is processed and fed back for appropriate adjustments to the focal plane assembly. The complete system consists of a Position & Motion Detector subassembly, a Detector Drive and Compensation subassembly, a Central Processing Unit and the Focal Plane Array all of which will be operated via a flex cable interface to minimize impact on movements. Technology applications will address state-of-the-art in gyros (laser & fiber optic) and gyroless motion compensation; accurate position measuring devices such as optical encoders/holographic gratings, interferometric techniques, and non-contact fiber optic displacement sensors, etc; drive mechanisms and low friction bearing surfaces offering a high rate of movement in a low noise environment, and the use of high tech materials; and microscanning image processing techniques, if appropriate, for subpixel processing. The objective of this effort is to build an MFPA that can compensate for all the motions that can degrade an image due to aircraft motions. Navmar's existing sensor modeling tools will be used in the analysis of component parametric effects on system performance.