Design and performance of a polarized IR scene generator

Peter S. Erbach; J. Larry Pezzaniti; David B. Chenault; Danny Saylor; Heard S. Lowry

doi:10.1117/12.783586

Translator Disclaimer

31 March 2008 Design and performance of a polarized IR scene generator

Peter S. Erbach, J. Larry Pezzaniti, David B. Chenault, Danny Saylor, Heard S. Lowry

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 6972, Polarization: Measurement, Analysis, and Remote Sensing VIII; 69720Z (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.783586
Event: SPIE Defense and Security Symposium, 2008, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

Polarization signature information is becoming more useful as an added discriminant in a variety of signature analysis applications. However, there are few infrared scene projection systems that provide the capability to inject target simulation images with polarization content into a seeker, or other imaging sensor. In this paper, we discuss a polarization scene generator (PSG) concept that is applicable to testing sensor systems operating in cryogenic-vacuum environments. This polarization scene generator concept demonstrator system was constructed from off-the-shelf technology using commercially available mid-wave infrared (MWIR) scene projectors based on micromirror device display technology, standard infrared polarizers, and standard IR cameras. The demonstrator system used two digital micromirror device (DMD)-based displays, each projecting orthogonal polarization states, which were then combined to generate images with pixels having independent S₁ or S₂ polarization content. This concept is robust because it is relatively unconstrained by the IR scene generators used or by the seekers tested. This paper discusses the test results of the concept demonstrator system with regard to sensitivity to misalignment, radiance mismatch, and display uniformity.

Citation Download Citation

Peter S. Erbach, J. Larry Pezzaniti, David B. Chenault, Danny Saylor, and Heard S. Lowry "Design and performance of a polarized IR scene generator", Proc. SPIE 6972, Polarization: Measurement, Analysis, and Remote Sensing VIII, 69720Z (31 March 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.783586

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE