Improved Low Light Level, Wide Multi-Band Infrared Imager Navy SBIR FY2008.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2008.2 Topic No.: N08-140 Topic Title: Improved Low Light Level, Wide Multi-Band Infrared Imager Proposal No.: N082-140-0415 Firm: Triton Services, Inc. 17001 Science Drive Suite 100 Bowie, Maryland 20715 Contact: Daniel So Phone: (650) 384-5467 Web Site: www.tritonsvc.com Abstract: A detector array with a low cost and high sensitivity across the IR spectrum that requires little to no cooling is desired. Triton Services, Inc. is proposing to develop a new class of microelectromechanical based IR imagers with a sensitivity that exceeds the current state-of-the-art by an order of magnitude and with properties that can be adjusted post production, even during the operation of the device. The specific application that motivates our investigation is the development of an inexpensive, room-temperature, infrared focal plane array to replace the ubiquitous cryogenic cooled, passive, multiple-wavelength, thermal imaging sensors carried by most combat aircrafts, unmanned aerial vehicles, many satellites, warships and ground vehicles. The new focal plane array is expected to process many widely spaced wavelengths from 1-12 microns using a single array. Benefits: While the new microelectromechanical system architecture is generally applicable to a wide variety of sensor types, it is particularly advantageous for various military IR applications such as the Low-Light-Level Multi-Band IR Imager. The current technology has serious drawbacks with respect to: cost, cooling considerations, and weight and size requirements. As Navy seeks smaller high performance capabilities particularly for remotely controlled UAV and ASW applications, the sensor packages may become the limiting factor. Triton's proposed infrared focal plane array would offer both improved performance as well as a significant savings in cost, weight and form factor. A lightweight thermal imaging system has many military applications, such as, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting. In addition, there are many commercial and industrial usages including, security, surveillance, energy audits, condition monitoring, automotive inspection and fire fighter imaging. Return