Dual-Band Visible/Long-Wavelength Infrared Imager

"Science Research Laboratory (SRL) proposes to develop an affordable, dual-band visible long-wavelength infrared (VLIR) imager. This revolutionary, new instrument can be switched instantaneously between conventional visible imaging and long-wavelength (7-12microns) infrared(IR) imaging that is sensitive to thermally emitted radiation and can operate in complete darkness. In the visible mode, the image is projected directly onto a CCD/CMOS array. In the IR mode, a novel affordable (<$1000) uncooledthermo-optic focal-plane array (FPA) technology converts the CCD/CMOS visible-light camera into a high-resolution, high-sensitivity infrared camera for surveillance of a scene with no ambient illumination. The revolutionary design of the imager--a singleoptical train common to all wavelengths--guarantees intrinsic registration of the different-wavelength images. In Phase I a design of the imager will be completed, and a prototype will be fabricated in Phase II. With this new dual-band VLIR technology, asingle camera installation (camera, mounting scan system, wiring, video monitor and recording system) will be capable of imaging both bands. Such visible-IR image integration will provide a very robust sensor for BMDO applications, enhancingdiscrimination between a missile and decoys. This new technology can also be used to retrofit existing visible-camera surveillance systems to provide an affordable dual-band capability: visible for daytime