Inverse-designed lightweight, planar focus lenses for Vis to LWIR hyperspectral imaging

We have designed, fabricated, and validated a single-lens system capable of imaging across an unprecedented spectral range—from visible to LWIR. This technology enables multi-spectral imaging using a single optical aperture. Building on our prior work demonstrating landcover classification from spectral data using machine learning, we now propose to develop an ESPA-class satellite-compatible imager payload that captures Vis-NIR and LWIR imagery and generates actionable target-classification maps through neural network processing. This compact, low-cost, and low-SWaP system is designed for scalable deployment in satellite constellations. Importantly, the novel optics at the core of this imager are fully manufacturable within the United States, supporting domestic supply chain resilience.