Infrared Micro-Laser Arrays for Target Image Projection

Current scene projection hardware is challenged to simultaneously meet the requirements for high peak temperature (> 2000K), high resolution (2Kx2K), response time < 4 ms, cryogenic and temporally uniform photon flux. MEMS, Resistor arrays, liquid crystals, and photonic crystals all suffer in one or more areas. MEMS suffer from flicker and low dynamic range. Resistor arrays suffer from low frame rates and low peak apparent temperatures. Liquid crystals suffer from cross-talk and dynamic range. Photonic crystals suffer from low frame rates and dynamic range. Attollo and our partner University of Central Florida propose to increase apparent temperatures by developing a new light source that allows the system to make efficient use of the emitted light. The emitter will be capable of providing high output power at low currents enabling large array operation. The emitter will be capable of fast response times and will be temporally uniform. The final emitter will have the ability to provide high temperature scene projection with fine resolution across the full temperature range of 77 – 2000K. In addition, it will have the ability to operate at greater than 400 Hz.