Background | Multi-functional electro-optic (MF-EO) systems with multiple wavebands and active illumination capability are available to NATO nations but the current systems are bulky, expensive and constrained to operate on large platforms. In this collaborative task we will develop and assess novel retro-reflective sensor technologies that combine active and passive imaging functions into compact systems suitable for dismounted and small autonomous platforms by exploiting recent developments in sensors, lasers and optics.
This task will build upon ET-098 which captured and shared knowledge on the wide range of benefits of multi-band sensors for operations in different domains, environments and weather conditions. The exploratory team identified a number of capabilities that could be advanced by a Research Task Group (RTG) on this topic including operations against difficult targets with variable background and clutter, the defeat of camouflage and the detection and recognition of glints and retro-reflections from surveillance systems.
The final report will deliver a shared understanding on the under-pinning technologies and summarize the conclusions from the trial and subsequent data analysis. The report will propose a technology road-map for the development of a compact multi-band/mode counter-surveillance system that can be exploited by dismounts or onto small autonomous platforms. A successful project could be the subject of a subsequent cooperative demonstration of technology (CDT). |
Objectives | The research task will review developments on multi-band sensor technologies, identify trends and routes towards compact broadband or multi-band (for example SWIR / MWIR) electro-optic sensors.
The research task will review developments in ROIC technology and identify opportunities and limitations driven by the silicon read-out circuitry for multi-band and multi-mode (active and passive) sensors.
The research task will form a shared understanding of developments in:
• optical materials and design that can facilitate multi-band sensors
• laser technology to enable active illumination, 3D and gated imaging and reflection detection across multiple wavebands
• processing techniques that extract maximum benefit from the integration of multi-band/multi-mode sensors
The RTG will be focused towards an out-door trial conducted against camouflaged and concealed targets with supporting analysis and modelling carried-out to identify the most promising techniques and combinations. The recommendations and roadmap will be captured in the final report.
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