PITEC proposes a compact long wave infrared (LWIR) hyperspectral imager that is smaller and lighter than previously fielded instruments, but offers comparable performance. The point design collects data with 50nm spectral resolution sampled at 3 pixels per spectral resolution element between 8 and 11.5 microns. The swath width is 7 degrees, sampled with 256 pixels with IFOV of 0.5 mrad. The radiometric performance is between 0.25 and 1 microflick NESR per sample (higher per resolution element). The focal plane is read out at 150Hz; for a UAV operating at 2000 ft at 100kt, this system would offer 30-cm ground resolution. This instrument is a major improvement over current systems in terms of size and weight, and can fill an unoccupied niche in hyperspectral remote sensing.
Benefits: The project will determine the feasibility and resource demands for a compact LWIR hyperspectral imager using conventional optics and full cryogenic cooling. Phase I will determine the relationship between performance and mass, volume and power consumption for the proposed concept, and bring the design effort to sufficient maturity to smoothly transition to a sensor build in Phase II, if selected.
Keywords: LWIR, hyperspectral, remote sensing, UAV, low-power, cryogenic cooling
