SBIR-STTR Award

Integrated Color Night-Vision Camera
Award last edited on: 9/17/2018

Sponsored Program
SBIR
Awarding Agency
DOD : SOCOM
Total Award Amount
$1,149,990
Award Phase
2
Solicitation Topic Code
SOCOM163-006
Principal Investigator
Shilpa Pradhan

Company Information

Physical Optics Corporation (AKA: POC~Mercury Mission Systems, LLC)

1845 West 205th Street
Torrance, CA 90501
   (310) 320-3088
   info@pocsports.com
   www.poc.com
Location: Multiple
Congr. District: 43
County: Los Angeles

Phase I

Contract Number: H92222-17-P-0022
Start Date: 2/17/2017    Completed: 8/17/2017
Phase I year
2017
Phase I Amount
$149,996
To address the US SOCOM need for a color night-vision sensor, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Integrated Color Night-Vision Camera (ICONIC), based on novel integration of the color night-vision sensor with the compact long effective focal length (CLOFL) lens system in a rugged packaging. The innovation in the proposed color night-vision sensor with the innovative CLOFL optics allows for a compact camera with the required range, making it as a line replaceable unit for current EO/IR turrets of fixed wing for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance applications. As a result, POCs proposed technology meets all USSCOM requirements of high resolution, true color (8-bit color) night-vision sensors that can be successfully utilized in real time (30 Hz) imagery applications for both ground- and air-based systems working in low light level conditions (below 0.01 lux illumination). In Phase I, POC will conduct feasibility study (based on analysis, testing, and/or models and simulations) along with identification of risks and potential payoffs to show how the proposed technology meets requirements within the given trade space. In Phase II, POC will build, test and demonstrate ICONIC system using an EO/IR turret.

Phase II

Contract Number: H92222-18-C-0017
Start Date: 2/1/2018    Completed: 1/31/2020
Phase II year
2018
Phase II Amount
$999,994
To address the US SOCOM need for a color night-vision sensor, in Phase II, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to advance development of the new Integrated Color Night-Vision Camera (ICONIC) proven feasible in Phase I. The innovation in the proposed color night-vision sensor is the compact long effective focal length lens (CLOFL) optics that allows for a compact camera with the required range, making it a line-replaceable unit for current EO/IR turrets of fixed wing for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance applications. This innovative CLOFL optics, together with a TRL-7 imaging sensor, fits on a 20 in. EO/IR turret to identify a person at a distance of 8 km in low light conditions (below 0.01 lux illumination), as verified in Phase I by detailed modeling and analysis. In Phase II, POC will develop and demonstrate using a 20 in. gimbala color night-vision sensor prototype that has been determined during Phase I to be the most feasible solution for the targeted aviation applications. POC will also perform ground test comparisons of ICONIC using existing low-light sensors. In addition, the reliability of the sensor, along with the sensors scalability for inclusion in smaller or larger gimbals will also be verified.