LWIR Spectral Sensor for Hard Body and Decoy Identification

Spectral sensing is emerging as an enabling missile defense technology for hard bodytracking and identification. Multiple samples of the spectra from hard body targetsassist in determining the target temperature and become inputs to discrimination andidentification algorithms. These targets are not burning and are potentially at ornear room temperature; hence, the ideal hard body sensor operates in the LongWavelength InfraRed (LWIR) 8-12 micron band. The objective of this program is to builda new revolutionary LWIR spectral sensor to detect, identify, and track missile hardbodies and decoys. The LWIR sensor has nearly 100% optical efficiency, wide field ofview, and the ability to resolve the temporal evolution of target spectra.In Phase I, the hard body target characteristics will be used to design a prototypesensor system. In Phase II, a prototype spectral sensor will be constructed to supportairborne measurements of hard body targets. The sensor will be characterized in thelaboratory and deployed in field tests to demonstrate the efficacy of the approach.The instrument described in this proposal is a modified version of a hyperspectralimager that SSSC has been developing since 1995. There are a number of technicalareas that would benefit from the existence of an affordable hyperspectral imagingsystem. Medical research is investigating in-situ/non-invasive techniques for diagnosisof tissue and automated sample analysis. Spectral analysis plays an important rolein many techniques currently being researched. Space and airborne geological surveysensors could obtain more detailed knowledge of the mineral content of exposed surfacesfrom hyperspectral signatures. Remote spectral images could also be employed toassess the chemical make up and potential hazards of environmental disturbances suchas smoke plumes and oil (or other) slicks. The current cost, size and weight ofhyperspectral sensors prohibits such applications.