Test projectors to demonstrate the performance of IR missile warning sensors

Thomas Roth; Jochen Barth; Sabino Gadaleta

doi:10.1117/12.800323

2 October 2008 Test projectors to demonstrate the performance of IR missile warning sensors

Thomas Roth, Jochen Barth, Sabino Gadaleta

Proceedings Volume 7113, Electro-Optical and Infrared Systems: Technology and Applications V; 71130U (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.800323
Event: SPIE Security + Defence, 2008, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom

Abstract

Dual color infrared imaging systems are being developed as missile warning sensors operating within the 3μm to 5μm spectral regime. To demonstrate the sensor performance of such sensors we introduce IR test projectors which provide an optical output within the required spectral band (3µm to 5µm). A bispectral objective serves as the projection optics while also forming a part of a telescope which allows visual alignment of the projection axis with high precision, e.g. by autocollimation. A compact IR source generates the IR radiation by resistive heating with heating and decay times close to 10 ms and a large dynamic range. These characteristics are exploited for the generation of intensity sequences which simulate the IR signature of an approaching missile, accomplished by a programmable control electronics driving the IR source. Results are shown which compare the required design intensity sequence with the measured projector output intensity. As an additional design feature we have also integrated an electrically tunable Fabry-Perot filter into the test projector thus making it a tunable monochromatic IR source. This allows the measurement of the spectral sensitivity of IR sensors which is of particular importance to characterize the sensor for evaluating its performance by simulation.

Citation Download Citation

Thomas Roth, Jochen Barth, and Sabino Gadaleta "Test projectors to demonstrate the performance of IR missile warning sensors", Proc. SPIE 7113, Electro-Optical and Infrared Systems: Technology and Applications V, 71130U (2 October 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.800323

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