Multispectral, Hyperspectral, and Three-Dimensional Imaging Research at the U.S. Army Research Laboratory

Abstract

We report on the development and application of multispectral infrared imaging technology to problems of interest to the U. S. military. For tactical applications, we show the application of dual-band infrared focal plane arrays to reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition. We describe the development of a new dual-band LWIR/LWIR focal plane array for detection of the disturbed soil features associated with buried land mines. We will describe the application of dual-band FPAs in the strategic defense arena by presenting dual-band MWIR/LWIR imagery of commercial launch vehicles that shows the utility of such an FPA for a sensor in a boost phase interceptor. In addition, we describe the development of acousto-optic tunable filters (AOTF) for hyperspectral imaging in the MWIR and LWIR bands. These devices hold the promise of producing hyperspectral infrared imagers that are considerably smaller and lighter than current systems. The AOTF allows completely electronic spectral scanning for fast access to a discrete set of narrow spectral bands. We will discuss ARL,s efforts in developing a novel scanerless laser radar (LADAR) system based on the frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) technique. This `flash" LADAR system uses a focal plane array to image the return signals from chirped pulses from a solid state laser to determine both 2D image and range information about a target. This data can then be used to construct a 3-dimensional picture of the target. Keywords: Infrared, Multispectral, AOTF, Hyperspectral, LADAR.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2003
Accession Number
ADP021703

Entities

People

  • A. C. Goldberg
  • B. Stann
  • Natasha Gupta

Organizations

  • United States Army Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Air Platforms
  • Sensors
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Analyzers
  • Detection
  • Detectors
  • Doppler Effect
  • Focal Plane Arrays
  • Focal Planes
  • Infrared Detectors
  • Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles
  • Land Mines
  • Laser Beams
  • Laser Diodes
  • Laser Radar
  • Lasers
  • Modulation
  • Remote Sensing
  • Semiconductors
  • Three Dimensional

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Image Processing and Computer Vision.
  • Radar Systems Engineering.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Microelectronics