Radiometric calibration method for large aperture infrared system with broad dynamic range.

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Aerospace Engineering
• Infrared Technology

Background:

• Ground-based infrared systems are crucial for missile defense, facing challenges with long-distance, small-size targets exhibiting high radiance variations.
• Existing calibration methods require expensive, large equipment like extended-area blackbodies or collimators, increasing manufacturing costs and complexity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and validate a novel, cost-effective radiometric calibration method for infrared systems used in missile defense.
• To address the limitations of conventional calibration techniques that are costly and difficult to implement in field conditions.

Main Methods:

• Development of an amended inner and outer calibration technique.
• Implementation of a shifting strategy for infrared systems to measure targets with significant radiance fluctuations.
• Experimental validation using a shortwave infrared system with a 400mm aperture.

Main Results:

• The proposed method ensures accurate radiometric calibration for infrared systems.
• The technique demonstrates advantages of low cost, low power consumption, and high motility.
• Experimental results confirm the effectiveness of the method for outfield applications.

Conclusions:

• The novel calibration method provides an effective and economical solution for infrared radiometric measurements in missile defense.
• This approach overcomes the practical and financial barriers associated with traditional calibration equipment.
• The technique is suitable for real-world, mobile applications requiring precise infrared target characterization.