Laser illumination and EO systems for covert surveillance from NIR to SWIR and beyond

Edgaras Dvinelis; Tomas Žukauskas; Mindaugas Kaušylas; Augustinas Vizbaras; Kristijonas Vizbaras; Dominykas Vizbaras

doi:10.1117/12.2238791

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21 October 2016 Laser illumination and EO systems for covert surveillance from NIR to SWIR and beyond

Edgaras Dvinelis, Tomas Žukauskas, Mindaugas Kaušylas, Augustinas Vizbaras, Kristijonas Vizbaras, Dominykas Vizbaras

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Proceedings Volume 9987, Electro-Optical and Infrared Systems: Technology and Applications XIII; 998703 (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2238791
Event: SPIE Security + Defence, 2016, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Abstract

One of the most important factor of success in battlefield is the ability to remain undetected by the opposing forces while also having an ability to detect all possible threats. Illumination and pointing systems working in NIR and SWIR bands are presented. Wavelengths up to 1100 nm can be registered by newest generation image intensifier tubes, CCD and EMCCD sensors. Image intensifier tubes of generation III or older are only limited up to wavelength of ~900 nm [1]. Longer wavelengths of 1550 nm and 1625 nm are designed to be used with SWIR electro-optical systems and they cannot be detected by any standard night vision system. Long range SWIR illuminators and pointers have beam divergences down to 1 mrad and optical powers up to 1.5 W. Due to lower atmospheric scattering SWIR illuminators and pointers can be used at extremely long distances up to 10s of km and even further during heavy weather conditions. Longer wavelengths of 2100 nm and 2450 nm are also presented, this spectrum band is of great interest for direct infrared countermeasure (DIRCM) applications.

State-of-the-art SWIR and LWIR electro-optical systems are presented. Sensitive InGaAs sensors coupled with “fast" (low F/#) optical lenses can provide complete night vision, detection of all NIR and SWIR laser lines, penetration through smoke, dust and fog. Finally beyond-state-of-the-art uncooled micro-bolometer LWIR systems are presented featuring ultra-high sensor sensitivities of 20 mK.

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Edgaras Dvinelis, Tomas Žukauskas, Mindaugas Kaušylas, Augustinas Vizbaras, Kristijonas Vizbaras, and Dominykas Vizbaras "Laser illumination and EO systems for covert surveillance from NIR to SWIR and beyond", Proc. SPIE 9987, Electro-Optical and Infrared Systems: Technology and Applications XIII, 998703 (21 October 2016); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2238791

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