Non-optically Combined Multi-spectral Source for IR, Visible, and Laser Testing

摘要

Electro Optical technology continues to advance, incorporating developments in infrared and laser technology into smaller, more tightly-integrated systems that can see and discriminate military targets at ever-increasing distances. New systems incorporate laser illumination and ranging with gated sensors that allow unparalleled vision at a distance. These new capabilities augment existing all-weather performance in the mid-wave infrared (MWIR) and long-wave infrared (LWIR), as well as low light level visible and near infrared (VNIR), giving the user multiple means of looking at targets of interest. There is a need in the test industry to generate imagery in the relevant spectral bands, and to provide temporal stimulus for testing range-gated systems. Santa Barbara Infrared (SBIR) has developed a new means of combining a uniform infrared source with uniform laser and visible sources for electro-optics (EO) testing. The source has been designed to allow laboratory testing of surveillance systems incorporating an infrared imager and a range-gated camera; and for field testing of emerging multi-spectral/fused sensor systems. A description of the source will be presented along with performance data relating to EO testing, including output in pertinent spectral bands, stability and resolution.