Covert Micro-Reflector Tag System

Cornerstone Research Group, Inc., proposes to develop and demonstrate a full scale, operationally relevant prototype covert marking system based on dust-sized micro-reflector tags. Composed of a material with unique reflectance signatures not visible tothe naked eye, these tags will be coupled with a highly portable imaging sensor capable of uniquely distinguishing tags from the background in the tactical environment. Phase II effort will optimize the tag material, scale up the tag fabricationprocesses, and develop a full-function sensor subsystem at the brassboard level of design maturity. Employing these elements as an integrated system, a demonstration under controlled field conditions will provide data yielding a high confidence projectionof the characteristics and performance of a fielded operational covert micro-reflector tag system. Operational Benefits:(1) Provides real-time covert sensing of adversaries or suspects hidden among friendly or neutral populations or camouflaged in the environment;(2) Provides real-time covert tracking of activity patterns of people or vehicles traversing terrain;(3) Capable of supporting tactical combat operations in daylight or night time, compatible with Night Vision Goggles (NVG) for night-time operation;(4) Low acquisition cost and simple, low cost operation.Commercial Applications: (1) All military components' ground combat units;(2) Law enforcement at federal, state and local levels;(3) Private investigations and surveillance;(4) Wildlife and livestock management.