Comparison of MODTRAN5 to measured data in the UV band

Leon Smith; Mark Richardson; Roy Walmsley

doi:10.1117/12.2028148

Translator Disclaimer

15 October 2013 Comparison of MODTRAN5 to measured data in the UV band

Leon Smith, Mark Richardson, Roy Walmsley

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 8898, Technologies for Optical Countermeasures X; and High-Power Lasers 2013: Technology and Systems; 88980F (2013) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2028148
Event: SPIE Security + Defence, 2013, Dresden, Germany

Abstract

The ultraviolet (UV) band of the electromagnetic spectrum has potential as a host medium for the operation of guided weapons. Unlike in the infrared (IR), a target which is propelled by an air breathing jet engine generates no detectable radiation in the UV band, and is opaque to the background UV produced by the Sun. In theory the blocking of UV radiation from the sun causes a detectable ‘negative contrast’ between the target and the background. In order to determine the outcome of engagement scenarios between airborne platforms and guided weapon systems that utilise a guard channel operating in the UV, it is necessary to accurately model background UV levels. This paper presents a comparison between the atmospheric modelling code moderate resolution atmospheric transmission (MODTRAN®5) and measured data. The spectral irradiance levels generated by the MODTRAN®5 code are compared to those of the World Ozone and Ultraviolet Data Centre (WOUDC ) database, for various global positions and times of year. Radiance data collected at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom (Shrivenham, England) for various observer geometries is also compared to that generated by the MODTRAN®5 code.

Citation Download Citation

Leon Smith, Mark Richardson, and Roy Walmsley "Comparison of MODTRAN5 to measured data in the UV band", Proc. SPIE 8898, Technologies for Optical Countermeasures X; and High-Power Lasers 2013: Technology and Systems, 88980F (15 October 2013); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2028148

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE