High Throughput Visible-Wavelength Multispectral Filter Arrays via Spectral Multiplexing
ID: SF24A-T005Type: Phase I
Overview

Topic

High Throughput Visible-Wavelength Multispectral Filter Arrays via Spectral Multiplexing

Agency

Department of DefenseN/A

Program

Type: STTRPhase: Phase IYear: 2024

Topic Link

https://www.sbir.gov/node/2479639

Additional Information

https://www.defensesbirsttr.mil/SBIR-STTR/Opportunities/
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project titled "High Throughput Visible-Wavelength Multispectral Filter Arrays via Spectral Multiplexing". The objective of this project is to design and fabricate a multiplexing multispectral filter array that achieves a higher optical throughput than a narrowband array with equivalent bandwidth and spectral resolution.

    Current visible-wavelength multispectral filter array technologies suffer from low light throughput, limiting the ability to capture high spectral resolution hyperspectral video. To address this issue, the performer will design and fabricate a visible-wavelength multiplexing multispectral filter array that is sensitive to multiple wavelengths at once. The fabricated array will be mounted onto a monochromatic camera to demonstrate scene sampling and demosaicking. Success will be measured by comparing the signal-to-noise ratio, integration time, and spectral resolution and bandwidth to those of an off-the-shelf narrowband multispectral filter array.

    The project will be conducted in three phases. In Phase I, modeling and simulation will be performed to determine the recipe for depositing the multiplexing filter array onto glass. Facilities for filter array fabrication will be identified. In Phase II, the filter array will be fabricated and characterized. Hyperspectral measurements will be acquired and compared to imagery from an off-the-shelf pushbroom hyperspectral camera. The Phase II deliverable will be the fabricated filter array attached to the provided sensor. In Phase III, the spatial and spectral resolution of the camera with the filter array will be characterized, and a mounting system will be built for the camera to be attached to a drone. A field test will be performed to acquire hyperspectral video of moving ground targets.

    The project falls under the OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Space Technology. The technology is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR) or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR). Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals and comply with US Export Control Laws.

    For more information and to submit a proposal, visit the solicitation agency's website: link. The application due date is February 21, 2024.

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