ARGUS/LLNL IR Camera Calibration and Characterization
Abstract
This report contains the results and description of a laboratory characterization and calibration performed on the ARGUS Infrared Imaging System (IRI). ARGUS is a USAF aircraft (modified NC-135) that serves as a platform for a variety of optical imaging sensors. These sensors collect data on a variety of targets, including reentry vehicles, objects in low earth orbit, missile plumes, and other aircraft. The IRI is a mid-wave infrared (MWIR) sensor used to collect radiometrically calibratable image data on targets. Recently, some questions have arisen regarding the instrument's performance characteristics and calibration. Consequently, the characterization effort described in this report was undertaken. The specific objectives of this effort were the following: 1) Define calibration curves/equations that relate sensor output signal level to received irradiance; 2) Determine the system radiometric sensitivity-- specifically, the Noise Equivalent Spectral Radiance (NESR) in each of the sensor's four spectral bands; and 3) Determine the sensor's spatial resolution and assess whether or not the fixed-focus telescope is focused at infinity. During the course of the laboratory tests, an additional objective was defined: 4) Assess the change in sensor performance due to cooling the entire camera assembly. Keywords: Thermal imaging; Focal plane array.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA217076
Entities
People
- D. J. Witte
Organizations
- Environmental Research Institute of Michigan