Hyperspectral Capability for Foveated Zoom Imaging System

Boulder Nonlinear Systems proposes to investigate the feasibility of adding a hyperspectral imaging capability to a foveated zoom system currently under development for use on unmanned air vehicles. The hyperspectral information along with the selective enhancement of a region of interest within a field of view in a foveated imaging system reduces the bulk and complexity of the imaging optics and reduces data transmission and processing requirements on the sensor system. In Phase I, Boulder Nonlinear Systems will integrate hyperspectral imaging and foveated zoom capabilities using the reflective liquid crystal on silicon spatial light modulator common to implementations of both. Compared to other approaches, the likelihood of success for the proposed effort is improved by leveraging the component maturity of the spatial light modulator technology, along with our recent extensive experience in adaptive and spectral imaging.