SBIR/STTR Award attributes
Infrared imaging systems mounted to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) are critical for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. While much progress has been made in miniaturizing the electronics/cooling package of these imaging systems, the optical components, which are typically large and bulky, can exceed size and weight requirements as well as increase the time needed to reach thermal equilibrium. This limitation is especially true for conventional zoom optics that require many refractive elements to correct aberrations over a continuous range of f-numbers. In this program, the CFD Research team will develop a mid-wave infrared (MWIR) zoom lens using metasurface optics (meta-optics). Meta-optics are composed of two-dimensional arrays of subwavelength elements that offer arbitrary control of phase, amplitude, and dispersion in a flat form factor. In Phase I, we will design, fabricate, and characterize a proof-of-concept MWIR meta-optic device. In parallel, we will tailor our validated inverse design software and end-to-end design codebase for this application to generate an optimized, broadband solution. In Phase II, we will develop an advanced prototype based on the optimized solution and perform relevant imaging measurements. Success in this program will drastically reduce the size and weight of infrared imaging systems, thus enhancing the situational awareness and lethality of the warfighter.
