High-Throughput Ultra-Fast Tunable Filter for Multispectral Imaging

Airborne multispectral remote sensing has been an enabling technology for the identification of activities associated with proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. However, existing technologies have limitations on color-switching speed, temperature range, throughput, and spectral range. This project will develop a unique tunable imaging filter based on an extremely large electro-optic effect and a novel-structure. The tunable filter will be able to change transmission wavelengths in microseconds without moving parts. Phase I demonstrated the feasibility of the fast tunable imaging filter through prototyping and testing. An aperture filter of up to one inch was constructed and used to take multicolor pictures. Key issues such as speed, field of view, uniformity, imaging quality, and polarization-independency transmission were measured and determined to be completely satisfactory. Phase II will involve production-level prototyping of the tunable filters at vast spectral range, extending the aperture and field of view, and developing an imaging system that could be adapted for field testing. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The multispectral remote sensing technology should fulfill a wide variety of government mission needs, especially situational awareness military/security missions such as object detection and identification, surveillance through clouds, and detection of WMD. In civil applications, improved spectral information would benefit applications in environmental protection, agriculture productivity, emergency response to disaster, and many more.