Compact Hyperspectral Imager Using Tunable Metasurfaces

To meet the size, weight, and power consumption (SWaP) constraints imposed by small mobile platforms, Nanohmics Inc. proposes to develop a battery-operated, low-SWaP hyperspectral imaging (HSI) system by combining a metasurface-based tunable spectral filter with a commercial off-the-shelf COTS long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) imager.ĀĀThis low-SWaP system will achieve high spatial resolution, fit aboard small mobile platforms, and be capable of detecting targets and threats in cluttered environments. The key enabling technology for the proposed HSI is an electronically tunable spectral notch filter microfabricated using an ultrathin patterned graphene optical metasurface. The tunable filter is thin enough to be integrated directly into a COTS LWIR camera. The proposed compact LWIR HSI system will be electronically switchable between two image collection modes: (1) high-frame rate broadband imaging, and (2) hyperspectral imaging with high spectral resolution, still achieving video rates. In broadband mode, the filter is switched off and the imager operates as a conventional LWIR or thermal camera. In hyperspectral mode, the tunable notch filter scans through the LWIR spectral producing a spatial-spectral data cube with full focal plane array (FPA) resolution. In Phase I, Nanohmics demonstrated the feasibility of a compact LWIR dual-mode hyperspectral imager based on tunable optical metasurfaces by designing, fabricating, and testing a proof-of-principle imager, achieving TRL 3.ĀĀThe team identified the hardware requirements for a prototype that achieves all performance objectives. In Phase II, Nanohmics will build and test the dual-mode imager prototype to achieve TRL 4.ĀĀModeling and simulation will predict system performance and help to optimize prototype design. The team will design, fabricate, and integrate a low-power microprocessor to handle real-time post-processing computations, system controls, and communications.ĀDuring Phase II Nanohmics will have the prototype ready for refinements and flight testing.ĀLonger term, Nanohmics will work with the Navy and prime contractors to integrate the dual-mode HSI with a mobile platform for testing, for example,Āa Type 3 SUAS platform such as InsituÆs RQ/MQ-21A Blackjack.ĀCOTS components and standard microfabrication methods will reduce costs and accelerate commercialization.