A micro-camera composite focal plane array (CFPA) comprised of a primary optic and an array of camera//lens modules with high sensitivity, low noise CMOS image sensors provides a low cost, compact solid-state imaging system for wide area persistent surveillance across a range of lighting conditions from full daylight to clear starlight. Applied Quantum Technologies Inc. (AQT) in partnership with SRI International Sarnoff (SRI), proposes an imaging system architecture based on an innovative micro-camera composite focal plane array concept which meets or exceeds the announced performance specifications and offers a reduction in size, weight, and cost of conventional CFPA stitched or gapped mosaic configurations. AQT offers experience in micro-camera CFPA development, multi-scale optical design, and multi-aperture night vision prototype design and fabrication. SRI adds extensive expertise with advanced low-light CMOS image sensors for night vision, with high visible/NIR quantum efficiency and ultra-low noise. The phase 1 system design and performance analysis of the 16 megapixel micro-camera composite focal plane for day/night passive surveillance will include considerations of manufacturability, cost, as well as SWAP (size, weight and power). A preliminary design of a single prototype camera with performance and packaging specifications will be presented for fabrication and testing under Phase II.
Benefit: Lightweight, low-cost, low-light camera systems would have profound impact on the military, industrial, and commercial surveillance markets. The civilian markets, currently exceeding $10 billion in 2010 revenues, will be significantly stimulated by imaging performance enhancements such as the introduction of cost-effective medium to large formats, and low-light and night vision capabilities. Scalable optical designs for manufacturing will accelerate penetration of civilian as well as defense (military and homeland security) applications. Intermediate growth is particularly indicated for surveillance of high profile events requiring wide area passive surveillance, and large population density locations such as cities, shopping centers, and transportation nodes. The introduction of medium to large format imaging will catalyze related technical innovation in image analysis, image transmission, compression, storage, and retrieval. In the longer range, markets for robotic and other unattended vehicle technologies will be enhanced by on-board imaging developments in persistent surveillance. In the distant future, advanced generations of the proposed research could have significant influence on the design of personal, hand-held platforms or attachments.
Keywords: Low Light Level Imaging Systems, Composite Focal Plane Array, Image System Design
