DARPA seeks next generation hemispherical optical sensor arrays

Published 16 January 2007

Winning research proposal will sport a 120-degree field of view and a speed of 60 frames per second; ability to take images in the visible, near-infrared, and shortwave-infrared optical spectra is critical; organic and inorganic materials will be considered; DARPA encourages industry collaboration

Those spooky scientists at DARPA are up to something, and we sure would like to know what it is. As that seems unlikely, we might as well cut to the chase and tell you what we do know. According to an agency announcement issued on New Year’s Eve, DARPA is actively soliciting industry, as part of the Hemispherical Array Detectors for Imaging (HARDI) program, to develop a small hemispherical optical imaging sensor array with a 120-degree field of view and a speed of 60 frames per second that can take images in the visible, near-infrared, and shortwave-infrared optical spectra — 400 to 1,900 nanometers. As we understand it, the idea is to “demonstrate a focal plane array integrated on a hemispherical surface that will enable high-performance imagers that are smaller and with wider fields of view than are available today.” DARPA scientists want a prototype with a 1-centimeter radius of curvature with one million pixels.

Why all the hubbub, bub? The reason is that such a sensor array might replace the need for multiple sensors or gimbals on a wide range of technologies, thereby increasing efficiency, lowering weight, and decreasing complexity overall. In order to achieve this, DARPA is requesting research proposals “that enable major advances in organic and/or inorganic material systems with inexpensive, easily scalable processing methods.” Organic materials may be organic or organic/inorganic composites. Inorganic materials could be amorphous inorganics that can be deposited and patterned on a hemispherical surface or alternately, inorganic structures prepared on a planar substrate and then transferred to a non-planar surface. To be clear: they are not interested in research only on evolutionary improvements.

DARPA officials say they expect to award several contracts, and are encouraging collaborative efforts and teaming.

-read more in this agency news release