Development of Universal, Inexpensive Optics for Uncooled Infrared Commercial and Military Applications

Small pixel (25 micron) uncooled microbolometer focal plane arrays are now beginning to become available in limited numbers. Insight Technology has already demonstrated operation over temperature, without either a TE Cooler, or mechanical Shutterutilizing a small pixel 320X240 FPA integrated with small thermal electronics. The thermal sensor systems that utilize small pixel FPAs are well suited to unmanned or unattended type sensor systems especially when coupled with Insight's ability to operatethe sensor without the TE cooler and, mechanical shutter. The overall systems are generally lightweight due to the smaller optical aperture required (as a function of the active area) and, have lower power requirements. At the same time, the small pixelsensors are able to meet the system requirements due to the continuing improvements achieved in the detector sensitivity. The proposed effort for Phase II shall include utilizing a 640X480 small pixel array coupled to miniaturized electronics and, highperformance optics. This