Simulation of mid-infrared clutter rejection. 1: One-dimensional LMS spatial filter and adaptive threshold algorithms

Several 1-D signal processing techniques have been evaluated by simulation with a digital computer using high-spatial-resolution (0.15 mrad) noise data gathered from back-lit clouds and uniform sky with a scanning data collection system operating in the 4.0-4.8-microm spectral band. Two ordinary bandpass filters and a least-mean-square (LMS) spatial filter were evaluated in combination with a fixed or adaptive threshold algorithm. The combination of a 1-D LMS filter and a 1-D adaptive threshold sensor was shown to reject extreme cloud clutter effectively and to provide nearly equal signal detection in a clear and cluttered sky, at least in systems whose NEI (noise equivalent irradiance) exceeds 1.5 x 10(-13) W/cm(2) and whose spatial resolution is better than 0.15 x 0.36 mrad. A summary gives highlights of the work, key numerical results, and conclusions.