Motivation and approach to creating true color temperature low light level V-NIR source

Stephen D. Scopatz; Jason A. Mazzetta; Fred A. Ennerson

doi:10.1117/12.850566

16 April 2010 Motivation and approach to creating true color temperature low light level V-NIR source

Stephen D. Scopatz, Jason A. Mazzetta, Fred A. Ennerson

Proceedings Volume 7700, Enabling Photonics Technologies for Defense, Security, and Aerospace Applications VI; 77000M (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.850566
Event: SPIE Defense, Security, and Sensing, 2010, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

With the continuing innovation in night vision and multispectral imaging technologies, the requirements for more sophisticated test systems continue to increase. Various manufacturers of Visible and Near Infrared (V-NIR) cameras and detection systems need to verify the lowest detectable light level and check system performance at very low light levels as well as recovery from exposure to typical daytime light levels. Typical low level requirements are in the range of 10^-4 to 10^-6 foot-lamberts, equivalent to starlight radiance levels; typical daytime light levels are 10³ foot-lamberts. There is a relatively straightforward approach to producing low light level output using "neutral" density filters to reduce the light to the proper level. Although neutral density filters are not spectrally neutral over the entire V-NIR wavelength range. For some test applications the loss of spectral fidelity is unacceptable for tests of sensor response. The challenge was to create an adjustable output V-NIR source that maintains the color temperature setting over the entire output range. This paper explains how the requirement of True Color Temperature Low Light Level source is met and the benefits compared to prior methods. In addition how the daylight level is also met with the same source. Once the high and low light levels are achieved in a stable and repeatable manner and are calibrated; the unique tests that can be performed with this source are discussed.

Citation Download Citation

Stephen D. Scopatz, Jason A. Mazzetta, and Fred A. Ennerson "Motivation and approach to creating true color temperature low light level V-NIR source", Proc. SPIE 7700, Enabling Photonics Technologies for Defense, Security, and Aerospace Applications VI, 77000M (16 April 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.850566

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KEYWORDS

Optical spheres

Sensors

Calibration

Lamps

Integrating spheres

Near infrared

Optical filtering

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