Real-time millimeter-wave imaging radiometer for avionic synthetic vision

John A. Lovberg; Ri-Chee Chou; Christopher A. Martin

doi:10.1117/12.179608

13 July 1994 Real-time millimeter-wave imaging radiometer for avionic synthetic vision

John A. Lovberg, Ri-Chee Chou, Christopher A. Martin

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 2220, Sensing, Imaging, and Vision for Control and Guidance of Aerospace Vehicles; (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.179608
Event: SPIE's International Symposium on Optical Engineering and Photonics in Aerospace Sensing, 1994, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

ThermoTrex Corporation (TTC) has developed an imaging radiometer, the passive microwave camera (PMC), that uses an array of frequency-scanned antennas coupled to a multi-channel acousto-optic (Bragg cell) spectrum analyzer to form visible images of a scene through acquisition of thermal blackbody radiation in the millimeter-wave spectrum. The output of the Bragg cell is imaged by a standard video camera and passed to a computer for normalization and display at real-time frame rates. One application of this system could be its incorporation into an enhanced vision system to provide pilots with a clear view of the runway during fog and other adverse weather conditions. The unique PMC system architecture will allow compact large-aperture implementations because of its flat antenna sensor. Other potential applications include air traffic control, all-weather area surveillance, fire detection, and security. This paper describes the architecture of the TTC PMC and shows examples of images acquired with the system.

Citation Download Citation

John A. Lovberg, Ri-Chee Chou, and Christopher A. Martin "Real-time millimeter-wave imaging radiometer for avionic synthetic vision", Proc. SPIE 2220, Sensing, Imaging, and Vision for Control and Guidance of Aerospace Vehicles, (13 July 1994); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.179608

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

;

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE