Extended Wavelength SWIR for Hyperspectral Imaging on Unmanned Systems

Hyperspectral imaging in the shortwave infrared (SWIR) wavelength range from 900 to 1700 nm can be used for applications such as explosives detection, agricultural crop health monitoring, and humanitarian aid and logistics.  Current hyperspectral systems are expensive due to their use of large format arrays and complicated optical components.  In this program, a micro-lens array (MLA) will be fabricated directly into the detector array substrate.  This novel approach will improve alignment accuracy and structural integrity, and is conducive to wafer-scale processing techniques for large volume production at a significantly reduced cost.  To enhance the number of material types that can be identified and detected using SWIR hyperspectral imaging, the team will develop and demonstrate imagers with extended wavelength detection capabilities from 900 to 2500 nm utilizing only TEC cooling to support operation.  At the program conclusion a state-of-the-art imager with an MLA will be integrated into a hyperspectral system that weighs less than 2 kg, consumes less than 15 W, and measures less than 1200 cm3.  The demonstration camera will provide the user with the capability to detect several chemicals in real-time using a color-coding scheme to make interpretation fast and simple.