The infrared (IR) imaging community has a need for direct IR detector evaluation due to the continued demand for small pixel pitch detectors, the emergence of strained-layer-superlattice devices, and the associated lateral carrier diffusion issues. Conventional laser speckle-based modulation transfer function estimation is dependent on Fresnel propagation and limited to paraxial geometries, preventing the utilization of this approach on small pixel pitch IR devices. This paper presents a generalized approach for determining a focal plane array (FPA) system input power spectral density, utilizing numerical evaluation of Rayleigh–Sommerfeld speckle irradiance autocorrelation functions, speckle irradiance spectral analysis using the Wigner distribution function, and experimental error quantification incurred from making wide-sense-stationary assumptions regarding the associated laser speckle random process. The effort’s final result is an experimental demonstration of an FPA resolution estimation technique valid in nonparaxial test scenarios.
The continued technology push towards smaller pitch devices, the growing application of strained-layer-superlattice devices and the associated lateral carrier diffusion challenges with both trends make infrared (IR) detector resolution evaluation vital to the IR imaging community. Established methods for direct infrared detector modulation transfer function evaluation, namely laser speckle-based power spectral density methods, are reliant on Fresnel electric field propagation equations and are only applicable in regimes where small angle approximations are valid. This limitation prevents analysis of longer wavelength, smaller pixel pitch focal plane arrays (FPA). An alternative methodology is proposed, utilizing speckle autocorrelation functions to estimate the FPA impulse response. The major technique advantage is the input autocorrelation function is derived via Rayleigh-Sommerfeld propagation equations, making this method valid in a wider array of test geometries than conventional speckle-based methods. Therefore, this technique supports resolution estimation of smaller pixel pitch devices than previously possible with established techniques. This effort outlines an iterative maximum likelihood function-based approach proposed for impulse response estimation, demonstrates the proposed technique’s effectiveness via simulation and discusses the challenges associated with implementing the technique experimentally.
Efforts to extend speckle-based focal plane array modulation transfer function measurements beyond the detector Nyquist frequency have unearthed challenging spectral estimation issues. In an attempt to better understand the task of speckle imagery spectral estimation, we explore the nuances of various estimation techniques, making comparisons using both real speckle imagery and simulated data. Parameters and features of the techniques investigated include number of image realizations, the size of image realizations, and applications of windows to speckle imagery spectral estimation. Real-world testing considerations such as laser stability and the challenge of collecting significant numbers of independent image realizations are addressed in the analysis. Results from this research show the advantage increasing the number of realizations has on estimation variance, the robustness of smaller realization segments when battling speckle field imagery spatial nonuniformities, the benefits of windowing image segments with regard to power spectral density estimation accuracy, and the impact that the increasing aperture area has on system signal-to-noise ratio.
Efforts to extend speckle-based focal plane array (FPA) modulation transfer function (MTF) measurements beyond the detector Nyquist frequency have unearthed challenging spectral estimation issues. In an attempt to better understand the task of speckle image spectral estimation, this paper explores the nuances of various estimation techniques, making comparisons using both real speckle imagery and simulated data. Parameters and features of the techniques investigated include number of image realizations, the size of image realizations and applications of windows to speckle imagery spectral estimation. Real-world testing considerations such as laser stability and the challenge of collecting significant numbers of independent image realizations are addressed in the analysis. Results show the advantage increasing the number of realizations has on estimation variance, the robustness of smaller realization segments when battling speckle field imagery spatial non-uniformities and the benefits of windowing image segments with regards to power spectral density (PSD) estimation accuracy.
The Python Based Sensor Model (pyBSM) provides open source functions for modeling electro-optical and infrared imaging systems. In this paper, we validate pyBSM predictions against laboratory measurements. Compared quantities include modulation transfer function, photoelectron count, and signal-to-noise ratio. Experiments are explained and code is provided with the details required to recreate this study for additional camera and lens combinations.
This paper expands upon a previously reported random speckle technique for measuring the modulation transfer function of midwave infrared focal plane arrays by considering a number of factors that impact the accuracy of the estimated modulation transfer function. These factors arise from assumptions in the theoretical derivation and bias in the estimation procedure. Each factor is examined and guidelines are determined to maintain accuracy within 2% of the true value. The uncertainty of the measurement is found by applying a one-factor ANOVA analysis and confidence intervals are established for the results. The small magnitude of the confidence intervals indicates a very robust technique capable of distinguishing differences in modulation transfer function among focal plane arrays on the order of a few percent. This analysis directly indicates the high quality of the random speckle modulation transfer function measurement technique. The methodology is applied to a focal plane array and results are presented that emphasize the need for generating independent random speckle realizations to accurately assess measured values.
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