OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Microelectronics; Quantum Science The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. OBJECTIVE: Development of a sensitive infrared focal plane array (FPA) that intrinsically resolves spectra over the spectral range 1.5 to 12 m to be used in place of conventional high-speed spectrometers for measuring the spectral characteristics of targets and target simulators. The FPA must provide varying spectral response across one axis, with the other axis used for summation of radiation signal output for each spectral response bin. DESCRIPTION: The space simulation chambers of the Space Systems Test Facility (SSTF) at Arnold Air Force Base facilitate the testing of high-performance interceptors and surveillance sensors in a low background radiation (20 K) environment, as well as making spectral signature measurements of aerospace structures. These facilities offer support for developmental and operational Test and Evaluation (T&E) of aerospace systems. To provide the needed spectral measurement capability, a cryo-vacuum-compatible compact spectrometer is needed to augment the spectral sensing capability of AEDC's space simulation chambers, as well as provide technology advancement for similar venues throughout DoD. Such a spectral measurement system must operate in a low temperature, high vacuum environment and provide spectral data for point measurements of a targets using a collimating optical system. The spectral system should range from 1.5 to 14 m with a spectral resolution of 0.1 (threshold) or 0.05 m (objective), capable of 10 spectra per second (threshold) or 100 per second (objective) and an average quantum efficiency of 0.5. The goal is an FPA (or suite of FPAs) that inherently spectrally resolves the incident light so that, for example, a vertical row of pixels is sensitive only to a narrow spectral band of light would be summed to measure the signal within that narrow spectral band. Each subsequent vertical row increments spectrally so that across orthogonal axis of the FPA the full spectral range can be measured. The goal is to avoid conventional spectral dispersing elements or narrow band filters over the detection elements, or mechanical positioners that are problematic in terms of speed or reliability. The objective of this topic is to develop this FPA to accomplish spectral binning without a conventional dispersive element through the use of nanolithographic design and manufacturing techniques. However, other innovative concepts will be considered. This has the potential to be a technology development that could be extended to the area of hyperspectral scene projectors. Proposals include detailed risk mitigation strategies by addressing potential challenges in developing and integrating the advanced FPA technology. Also, methodologies should be defined for testing and validation at critical junctures to ensure a clear and robust path to successful implementation. PHASE I: Demonstrate a proof-of-concept spectral FPA that has a format of 128 x 128 pixels and provides 0.1 m resolution across the LWIR spectral range. Implement, expound upon and refine, as necessary, the proposed risk mitigation strategies mentioned in the Topic Description. Provide a plan for Phase II testing and validation of the prototype FPA technology in the AEDC Space Systems Test Facility laboratory early enough to allow refinements to ensure a clear and robust path to successful implementation. PHASE II: Develop, demonstrate and deliver a prototype infrared spectral FPA that has a format of 256 x 256 pixels and provides 0.05 m resolution across its spectral range (1.5 to 14 m). The product could be a suite of FPAs that can cover the desired spectral range. Implement the proposed testing and validation of the prototype at AEDC to allow modifications as necessary for successful implementation to the Space Systems Facility prior to the end of the Phase II effort. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Phase III efforts would be directed towards larger FPA formats with higher resolution spectral performance. Instrumentation incorporating this type of technology would be useful in many DoD venues involved in calibration, characterization, and mission performance testing of imaging sensor systems. REFERENCES: 1. Nicholson, R.A., Mead, K.D., and Lowry, H.S., Radiometric Calibration and Mission Simulation Testing of Sensor Systems in the AEDC 7V and 10V Chambers, SPIE Proceedings, Vol. 6208-46 (2006).; 2. McGovern, W.R., et.al., Metal-mesh optical filter technology for mid-IR, far-IR, and submillimeter, SPIE Proc. Vol. 8385, 838506 (2012).; 3. Le Perchec, J., et.al., High rejection bandpass optical filters based on sub-wavelength metal patch arrays, Optics Express, Vol. 19, No. 17, 15 Aug 2011.; 4. Fan, K, and Padilla, W.J., Dynamic electromagnetic metamaterials, Materials Today, Vol. 18, No. 1, Jan/Feb 2015, Dynamic electromagnetic metamaterials - ScienceDirect.; 5. Jiang, S., Li, J., Lai, J., Yi, F., Metamaterial microbolometers for multi-spectral infrared polarization imaging, Opt Express, 2022 Mar 14, 30(6):9065-9087.doi: 10.1364/OD.45298, Metamaterial microbolometers for multi-spectral infrared polarization imaging - PubMed (nih.gov).; KEYWORDS: cryo-vacuum; infrared spectral calibration; infrared detectors; focal plane arrays; infrared spectrometers, imaging sensors; imaging sensor testing; space simulation
