Limiting Point-Source Detection Capabilities of Two-Dimensional, Scanned, Optical Detector Arrays in Constant False-Alarm Systems.

摘要

An optical point-source detection system in which a constant number of false alarms is allowed per data set (exposure time) based on the post-detection processing, is considered. The detector is a two-dimensional scanned array. With a single threshold determined solely by the allowed false alarms, that minimum average signal necessary to satisfy a given requirement on the probability of detection for various background (sky, in this instance) and electronic noise levels is determined. This development leads to a critical signal-noise expression at the first photon to charge-carrier conversion surface which is not an explicit function of the standard deviation of the signal. This expression is used to compare the detection performances of noise-free and of noisy detector arrays using the parameters of typical, ground-based, satellite surveillance systems. (Author)