Missile Detection Spatial Spectral Imager

This proposal is for the development of a fast imaging spectrometer for the measurement of both spatial and spectreal signatures of threat missiles and other targets and backgrounds for improved missile detection and identification. The proposedinnovative snapshot imaging sensor provides both spectral and spatial information at wavelengths appropiate for surface to air missile detection in the midwave infrared wavelength band. The unique approach employed in this proposed sensor elimanatesscanning through the spectrum as required by conventional approaches and provides rapid acquistion of both spectral and spatial data sets. The proposed project builds on developments at the University of Arizona's Optical Detection Laboratory and providesthe most versatile sensor developed to date. Commercial applications of this intrument are numerous because of the flexibility and versatility of the sensor. It provides both spatial and spectral information simultaneously at frame to frame adjustablespectral and spatial resolutions. In addition to missile threat detection, applications include security, mineral and material identification, fire detection, medical applications, and other military target detection and identification.