Optimizing targeting performance for superband optical systems

Area of Science:

• Optical Engineering
• Infrared Imaging Technology

Background:

• Superband camera systems offer broadband short-wave infrared (SWIR) to mid-wave infrared (MWIR) response, presenting an alternative to traditional long-range infrared targeting.
• Maturing detector technologies increase the availability and relevance of superband systems for the imaging community.

Purpose of the Study:

• Quantify the targeting capabilities of superband infrared camera systems.
• Evaluate the performance of superband cameras across different spectral bands.

Main Methods:

• A 1-5 µm superband camera equipped with individual SWIR (1-1.9 µm), extended SWIR (eSWIR, 2-2.5 µm), and MWIR (3-5 µm) filters was utilized.
• Images of a target at range were captured in each spectral band and the full superband response.
• Contrast signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was measured for each captured image.

Main Results:

• Targeting range performance was assessed by comparing measured contrast SNR against theoretical models.
• The Fλ/d metric was employed as a design guide to optimize performance across the superband waveband.

Conclusions:

• The study demonstrates a method for quantifying superband camera targeting capabilities.
• Optimizing the Fλ/d metric across the superband waveband can maximize overall range performance, including nighttime operation.