Thermal Array Target Simulation Technology

James L. Hester

doi:10.1117/12.947150

14 July 1988 Thermal Array Target Simulation Technology

James L. Hester

Proceedings Volume 0940, Infrared Scene Simulation: Systems, Requirements, Calibration, Devices, and Modeling; (1988) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.947150
Event: 1988 Technical Symposium on Optics, Electro-Optics, and Sensors, 1988, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

The Air Force Armament Laboratory (AFATL) at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida is currently examining the technology for the design and development of an infrared (IR) target projection system. This system will become part of an infrared target simulator (IRTS) for supporting the hardware-in-the-loop testing and analysis of infrared imaging (IIR) seekers. Although other projection technologies exist, we believe the thermal emitter array technology to be one of the most promising. This paper will discuss some of the reasons for such a belief. The Bly Cell, the liquid crystal light valve, and the thermochromic light valve are some of the other technologies the Laboratory has examined. While each technology is characterized by its strengths and weaknesses, only the liquid crystal light valve and the thermal emitter array will be covered at length in this paper. Inherent characteristics such as speed-of-response, image resolution, and temperature dynamic range determine the ability of each of these technologies to accurately simulate IR air-to-surface and IR air-to-air targets. This paper will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the liquid crystal light valve and the thermal emitter array.

Citation Download Citation

James L. Hester "Thermal Array Target Simulation Technology", Proc. SPIE 0940, Infrared Scene Simulation: Systems, Requirements, Calibration, Devices, and Modeling, (14 July 1988); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.947150

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