The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the development of an Ultra-Broadband High-Definition High-Frame Rate NIR-MWIR Imager. This technology falls under the Integrated Sensing and Cyber critical technology area. The objective is to create an infrared imager with a wide bandpass ranging from the Near Infrared (NIR) to the Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) spectrum, specifically from 0.7 micrometers to 5.5 micrometers.
The imager will be used to characterize signatures of military targets, including missile plume and hardbody signatures, in both static and free flight tests. This information will support the design and testing of missile warning and countermeasure systems. The imager will also have applications in temperature/emissivity determination of hypersonic thermal protection systems during ground tests. The use of the infrared detector material InAsSb is encouraged.
The project will be conducted in two phases. Phase I will focus on feasibility and conceptual design, including an analysis of alternatives and identification of high-risk technical elements. Phase II will involve the development of iterative prototypes and the delivery of a fully operational prototype imager.
In Phase III, a limited production of imagers will be conducted for integration into existing signature measurement systems. The technology will have wide military applications for surveillance, night vision, target detection, identification, and tracking. Additionally, there are potential commercial applications in security, surveillance, non-contact imaging thermometry for manufacturing, and other defense applications.
The solicitation was released on November 29, 2023, and the application due date was February 21, 2024. More information can be found on the grants.gov website or the DOD SBIR/STTR Opportunities page.