This paper discusses the capabilities of a EO/IR sensor model developed to provide a robust means for comparative
assessments of infrared FPA's and sensors operating in the infrared spectral bands that coincide with the atmospheric
windows - SW1 (1.0-1.8&mgr;m), sMW (2-2.5&mgr;m), MW (3-5&mgr;m), and LW (8-12&mgr;m). The applications of interest include
thermal imaging, threat warning, missile interception, UAV surveillance, forest fire and agricultural crop health
assessments, and mine detection. As a true imaging model it also functions as an assessment tool for single-band and
multi-color imagery. The detector model characterizes InGaAs, InSb, HgCdTe, QWIP and microbolometer sensors for
spectral response, dark currents and noise. The model places the specified FPA into an optical system, evaluates system
performance (NEI, NETD, MRTD, and SNR) and creates two-point corrected imagery complete with 3-D noise image
effects. Analyses are possible for both passive and active laser illuminated scenes for simulated state-of-the-art IR
FPA's and Avalanche Photodiode Detector (APD) arrays. Simulated multispectral image comparisons expose various
scene components of interest which are illustrated using the imaging model. This model has been exercised here as a
predictive tool for the performance of state-of-the-art detector arrays in optical systems in the five spectral bands
(atmospheric windows) from the SW to the LW and as a potential testbed for prototype sensors. Results of the analysis
will be presented for various targets for each of the focal plane technologies for a variety of missions.
Low Cost Multi-color infrared (IR) sensors/focal plane arrays are required for surveillance and other homeland security applications. These sensors require multi-color focal plane arrays (FPA) that will cover 3-5 (MWIR) and 8-14 (LWIR) micron bands. There has been a significant progress in developing HgCdTe on Silicon substrates [1,2]. Two-color IR FPA eliminate the complexity of multiple single color IR FPAs and provide a significant reduction of weight and power in a simpler, reliable and affordable systems.
Access to the requested content is limited to institutions that have purchased or subscribe to SPIE eBooks.
You are receiving this notice because your organization may not have SPIE eBooks access.*
*Shibboleth/Open Athens users─please
sign in
to access your institution's subscriptions.
To obtain this item, you may purchase the complete book in print or electronic format on
SPIE.org.
INSTITUTIONAL Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.
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.