SBIR-STTR Award

Several new innovative technologies in Focal Plane Array (FPA) and hyperspectral imaging provide powerful new tools for missile defense applications. For example, during boost phase engagements of a missile, the bright signal from the plume can mask the hard body. Use of a dual color focal plane array (FPA) can improve the aim point selection process allowing MWIR to view the plume, and LWIR to view the hard body. Adding hyperspectral imaging and adaptive tuned spectral filtering to the seeker can significantly improve the process. The smart use of spectral information can improve signal to noise and allow algorithms that more accurately target the warhead. During the engagement all phases including detect, track, aim point selection and kill assessment can be improved by looking in different portions of the infrared spectra. The "state-of-the-art" in focal plane array technology and diffractive optics now allows such an adaptive tunable spectral seeker to be made using a single dual band FPA and a single optical element. This technology lends itself to easy upgrade of exiting systems, and provides a powerful tool for application in new seekers and missile defense systems.

The addition of spectral imaging to several MDA sensors can improve their performance. Two examples are target discrimination for mid-course engagements and kill assessment for numerous engagements. The work under this program will develop a multi-spectral imaging sensor by integrating a micro machined diffractive optic lenslet array with dual band focal plane arrays to give as many as 32 or more different spectral images. The approach allows upgrades to current deployed MDA sensors with minimal intrusion to the system. This new approach will be developed into a prototype sensor during Phase II for proof of concept and allow for airborne tests during Phase III. Upon program completion we will have a prototype tunable spectral imager with demonstrated capability to measure the time/temperature profile of selective radiators in real time. This technology will be developed with a transition into MDA midcourse discrimination sensor in mind. At program completion the technology will be ready to move into a Phase III program with the MDA Ground Based Midcourse (GMD) program office. An understanding of the sensor development effort for GMD will be part of the Phase II effort so that the tunable spectral imager developed will be compatible with GMD’s current sensor technology.

Keywords:
SPECTRAL TUNED IMAGING, MISSILE DEFENSE, REAL TIME IMAGE PROCESSING, DIFFRACTIVE OPTICS, THERMAL PROFILING