Development of semi-active seeker for maneuverable projectiles

A design for an optical seeker optimized for spin-stabilized projectiles is presented. Using the spin of the bullet to scan a linear photodetector array across the target field, a relatively wide field-of-regard seeker may be constructed with an adequate SNR for homing applications. The linear photodetector array is based on room-temperature quantum-well infrared photodetectors (QWIP) optimized for a wavelength of 10.6 microns. The entire seeker containing the 1 × 64-element linear photodetector array, amplifiers and signal processor/flight computer can be constructed on a single 1-cm square bonded chip-on-chip. A compact folded telescope has been designed to collect light from a CO₂ laser designator to guide the projectile to the target. Details of the seeker design as well as laboratory measurements of the concept using a visible light prototype seeker will be presented.