Tunable Nonlocal Metasurfaces for Edge Computing and Processing

This Air Force Direct-to-Phase-II (D2P2) SBIR topic (OSW26BZ04-DV011) seeks proposals to design, fabricate, and characterize tunable nonlocal metasurfaces for front-end, analog optical pre-processing and edge computing. The goal is to perform operations like Fourier processing, de-noising, and object recognition directly within the optical path of mid-wave infrared (MWIR) thermal-imaging systems, reducing the computational, latency, and SWaP-C burdens on downstream electronics. While prior research has demonstrated analog image processing under coherent laboratory conditions, this project focuses on enabling operations under realistic, partially coherent MWIR illumination. Proposed devices must utilize practical, high-index transparent dielectrics (such as silicon or gallium arsenide) suitable for scalable fabrication. Ideal solutions will offer broadband MWIR operation, compatibility with relevant numerical apertures, low SWaP, and electro-optical tunability. Because this is a D2P2 solicitation, applicants must demonstrate prior Phase I-type feasibility, including simulated or experimental evidence of a fabricated nonlocal metasurface prototype performing analog image processing at relevant infrared wavelengths. Phase II awardees will develop a predictive simulation framework for partially coherent illumination, fabricate prototype devices, and deliver a fully integrated prototype system—including custom hardware, software, and at least five devices—to the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) for testing. Dual-use applications include compact military thermal-imaging and edge-processing platforms, as well as commercial machine vision and advanced infrared imaging modules.