Patent ID: 9631973
Date: 2017-04-25
CPC Classifications: G01J,G02F

Claim:
1. A multifunction imager comprising: an imaging optical subsystem configured to receive electromagnetic radiation from a distant scene; a focal plane array configured to produce an image of the scene; and a programmable polarimetry subsystem electrically switchable between an ON state in which the polarimetry subsystem receives the electromagnetic radiation and provides polarized electromagnetic radiation to the focal plane array, and an OFF state in which the polarimetry system is configured as a first substantially clear aperture that passes the electromagnetic radiation to the focal plane array, wherein the programmable polarimetry subsystem includes: a programmable spectral imaging subsystem optically coupled to the polarimetry subsystem and the focal plane array, the spectral imaging system including an electrically switchable disperser configurable between an ON state in which the disperser spectrally disperses incident electromagnetic radiation to provide spectrally dispersed electromagnetic radiation to the focal plane array, and an OFF state in which the disperser is configured as a second substantially clear aperture that passes the electromagnetic radiation to the focal plane array.