The infrared (IR) imaging community has a need for direct IR detector evaluation due to the continued demand for small pixel pitch detectors, the emergence of strained-layer-superlattice devices, and the associated lateral carrier diffusion issues. Conventional laser speckle-based modulation transfer function estimation is dependent on Fresnel propagation and limited to paraxial geometries, preventing the utilization of this approach on small pixel pitch IR devices. This paper presents a generalized approach for determining a focal plane array (FPA) system input power spectral density, utilizing numerical evaluation of Rayleigh–Sommerfeld speckle irradiance autocorrelation functions, speckle irradiance spectral analysis using the Wigner distribution function, and experimental error quantification incurred from making wide-sense-stationary assumptions regarding the associated laser speckle random process. The effort’s final result is an experimental demonstration of an FPA resolution estimation technique valid in nonparaxial test scenarios.
The continued technology push towards smaller pitch devices, the growing application of strained-layer-superlattice devices and the associated lateral carrier diffusion challenges with both trends make infrared (IR) detector resolution evaluation vital to the IR imaging community. Established methods for direct infrared detector modulation transfer function evaluation, namely laser speckle-based power spectral density methods, are reliant on Fresnel electric field propagation equations and are only applicable in regimes where small angle approximations are valid. This limitation prevents analysis of longer wavelength, smaller pixel pitch focal plane arrays (FPA). An alternative methodology is proposed, utilizing speckle autocorrelation functions to estimate the FPA impulse response. The major technique advantage is the input autocorrelation function is derived via Rayleigh-Sommerfeld propagation equations, making this method valid in a wider array of test geometries than conventional speckle-based methods. Therefore, this technique supports resolution estimation of smaller pixel pitch devices than previously possible with established techniques. This effort outlines an iterative maximum likelihood function-based approach proposed for impulse response estimation, demonstrates the proposed technique’s effectiveness via simulation and discusses the challenges associated with implementing the technique experimentally.
Efforts to extend speckle-based focal plane array modulation transfer function measurements beyond the detector Nyquist frequency have unearthed challenging spectral estimation issues. In an attempt to better understand the task of speckle imagery spectral estimation, we explore the nuances of various estimation techniques, making comparisons using both real speckle imagery and simulated data. Parameters and features of the techniques investigated include number of image realizations, the size of image realizations, and applications of windows to speckle imagery spectral estimation. Real-world testing considerations such as laser stability and the challenge of collecting significant numbers of independent image realizations are addressed in the analysis. Results from this research show the advantage increasing the number of realizations has on estimation variance, the robustness of smaller realization segments when battling speckle field imagery spatial nonuniformities, the benefits of windowing image segments with regard to power spectral density estimation accuracy, and the impact that the increasing aperture area has on system signal-to-noise ratio.
Efforts to extend speckle-based focal plane array (FPA) modulation transfer function (MTF) measurements beyond the detector Nyquist frequency have unearthed challenging spectral estimation issues. In an attempt to better understand the task of speckle image spectral estimation, this paper explores the nuances of various estimation techniques, making comparisons using both real speckle imagery and simulated data. Parameters and features of the techniques investigated include number of image realizations, the size of image realizations and applications of windows to speckle imagery spectral estimation. Real-world testing considerations such as laser stability and the challenge of collecting significant numbers of independent image realizations are addressed in the analysis. Results show the advantage increasing the number of realizations has on estimation variance, the robustness of smaller realization segments when battling speckle field imagery spatial non-uniformities and the benefits of windowing image segments with regards to power spectral density (PSD) estimation accuracy.
This paper expands upon a previously reported random speckle technique for measuring the modulation transfer function of midwave infrared focal plane arrays by considering a number of factors that impact the accuracy of the estimated modulation transfer function. These factors arise from assumptions in the theoretical derivation and bias in the estimation procedure. Each factor is examined and guidelines are determined to maintain accuracy within 2% of the true value. The uncertainty of the measurement is found by applying a one-factor ANOVA analysis and confidence intervals are established for the results. The small magnitude of the confidence intervals indicates a very robust technique capable of distinguishing differences in modulation transfer function among focal plane arrays on the order of a few percent. This analysis directly indicates the high quality of the random speckle modulation transfer function measurement technique. The methodology is applied to a focal plane array and results are presented that emphasize the need for generating independent random speckle realizations to accurately assess measured values.
Direct measurement of the modulation transfer function (MTF) of focal plane arrays (FPAs) using random laser speckle approaches for the visible/near-infrared wavelength band has been well documented over the last 20 years. These methods have not transitioned to the midwave infrared (MWIR) primarily because other techniques have been sufficient and MWIR laser sources with sufficient output power have been unavailable. However, as the detector pitch decreases, MTF measurements become more difficult due to diffraction, while potential MTF degradation due to lateral carrier diffusion crosstalk makes accurate MTF characterization critical for sensor system design. Here, a random laser speckle FPA MTF measurement approach is adapted for use in the MWIR that utilizes a quantum cascade laser coupled with an integrating sphere to generate the appropriate in-band random speckle. Specific challenges associated with the technique are addressed including the validity of the Fresnel diffraction assumptions describing the propagation of the random speckle field from the integrating sphere to the FPA. Improved methods for estimating the power spectral density (PSD) of the measured speckle that reduce data requirements are presented. The statistics and uniformity of the laser speckle are presented along with PSD measurements and estimated MTFs of a MWIR FPA.
This study examines the effectiveness of specific hyperspectral change detection algorithms on scenes with different
illumination conditions such as shadows, low sun angles, and seasonal vegetation changes with specific emphasis placed
on background suppression. When data sets for the same spatial scene on different occasions exist, change detection
algorithms utilize linear predictors such as chronochrome and covariance equalization in an attempt to suppress
background and improve detection of atypical manmade changes. Using a push-broom style imaging spectrometer
mounted on a pan and tilt platform, visible to near infrared data sets of a scene containing specific objects are gathered.
Hyperspectral system characterization and calibration is performed to ensure the production of viable data. Data
collection occurs over a range of months to capture a myriad of conditions including daily illumination change, seasonal
illumination change, and seasonal vegetation change. Choosing reference images, the degree of background suppression
produced for various time-2 scene conditions is examined for different background classes. A single global predictor
produces a higher degree of suppression when the conditions between the reference and time-2 remain similar and
decreases as drastic illumination and vegetation alterations appear. Manual spatial segmentation of the scene coupled
with the application of a different linear predictor for each class can improve suppression.
The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is procuring Airborne Real-time Cueing Hyperspectral Enhanced Reconnaissance (ARCHER) systems to increase their search-and-rescue mission capability. These systems are being installed on a fleet of Gippsland GA-8 aircraft, and will position CAP to gain realworld mission experience with the application of hyperspectral sensor and processing technology to search and rescue. The ARCHER system design, data processing, and operational concept leverage several years of investment in hyperspectral technology research and airborne system demonstration programs by the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) and Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). Each ARCHER system consists of a NovaSol-designed, pushbroom, visible/near-infrared (VNIR) hyperspectral imaging (HSI) sensor, a co-boresighted visible panchromatic high-resolution imaging (HRI) sensor, and a CMIGITS-III GPS/INS unit in an integrated sensor assembly mounted inside the GA-8 cabin. ARCHER incorporates an on-board data processing system developed by Space Computer Corporation (SCC) to perform numerous real-time processing functions including data acquisition and recording, raw data correction, target detection, cueing and chipping, precision image geo-registration, and display and dissemination of image products and target cue information. A ground processing station is provided for post-flight data playback and analysis. This paper describes the requirements and architecture of the ARCHER system, with emphasis on data processor design, components, software, interfaces, and displays. Key sensor performance characteristics and real-time data processing features are discussed. The use of the system for detecting and geo-locating ground targets in real-time is demonstrated using test data collected in Southern California in the fall of 2004.
The U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force are investigating laser range-gated shortwave infrared (LRG-SWIR) imaging systems for use in target identification. When coupled to an electron-bombarded CCD, the imaging system can obtain high- resolution images at long ranges. Speckle, an image artifact inherent in laser illuminated imaging systems, results from interference patterns caused by the coherent illumination. Laser speckle degrades target identification performance but can be reduced by averaging successive LRG-SWIR images. This research is a first attempt at quantifying target identification performance degradation associated with laser speckle. The research begins with a laboratory experiment to verify a speckle model that includes power spectral density and intensity probability density functions. An LRG-SWIR sensor simulation is developed that includes coherent illumination resulting in speckle target images. A field demonstration is performed to verify the fidelity of the simulation. The simulation is then applied to the NVESD target identification set with various levels of image averaging and blur. Observer performance results are analyzed in terms of target identification probability and the effects of various levels of blur and speckle are characterized.
Here we investigate a novel approach to steering broadband imagery with a Liquid Crystal Optical Phased Array (LCOPA). Our approach overcomes the deleterious blurring and echoing effects inherent in the use of such a device. We develop a model for the LCOPA and formulate a method in which a steered, graybody scene may be restored through the application of a Wiener filter. We also show this approach may be extended to scenes that are not strictly composed of graybodies but instead are only spectrally smooth over an appropriate bandwidth. Experimental results are presented that demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach.
Optoelectronic devices often make use of detectors or spatial light modulators. These components frequently are integrated with other electronics or devices that limit their fill factor on the substrate to less than unity. A frequently quoted approach to overcoming the fill factor problem is to use microlens arrays in conjunction with the components to increase the fill factor to near unity. However, the effect of the field angle over which the devices must operate is often not considered. In this paper we present results of geometric and physical optic analyses of microlens arrays in conjunction with detectors and modulators. Design equations for the microlens arrays are derived, the effect of field angle is quantified, and expected fill factor improvement is presented. Examples of possible systems applications are also considered.
Nonmechanical steering of passive imaging sensors is possible using liquid-crystal optical phase arrays as dynamic blazed-phase gratings. However, the resulting imagery is degraded due to diffraction effects which produce both multiple orders and dispersion. Restoration of this degraded imagery through post-processing techniques involves estimation of both the spectral radiance of the object within the field of regard of the sensor as well as deconvolution to remove blurring. A method of image restoration via Wiener filtering is presented for the case of an object scene composed of graybodies at various temperatures. Using simulated staring infrared sensor imagery, it is shown that image restoration is possible for small steering angles.
Some imaging systems employ detector arrays which are not sufficiently dense so as to meet the Nyquist criteria during image acquisition. This is particularly true for many staring infrared images. Thus, the full resolution afforded by the optics is not being realized in such a system. This paper presents a technique for estimating a high resolution image, with reduced aliasing, from a sequence of undersampled rotated and translationally shifted frames. Such an image sequence can be obtained if an imager is mounted on a moving platform, such as an aircraft. Several approaches to this type of problem have been proposed in the literature. Here we extend some of this previous work. In particular, we define an observation model which incorporates knowledge of the optical system and detector array. The high resolution image estimate is formed by minimizing a regularized cost function which is based on the observation model. We consider both gradient descent and conjugate gradient optimization procedures to minimize the cost function. We show that the conjugate gradient optimization provides rapid convergence. Detailed experimental results are provided to illustrate the performance of the proposed algorithm using both visible and infrared images. Quantitative error analysis is provided and several images are shown for subjective evaluation.
The submicroscan interpolation image-processing technique is analyzed to determine the effects of additive noise on the quality of the output imagery. Both temporal and fixed-pattern spatial noise are evaluated assuming a white Gaussian noise model. Closed-form solutions for the power spectral density of the output noise are derived for both one- and two-dimensional submicroscanning. It is found that temporal noise degrades the output imagery and determines the minimum usable submicroscan image shift. For the case of fixed-pattern noise, submicroscan interpolation causes a spectral redistribution of the noise power spectrum that tends to improve image quality.
A method for microscanning in imaging sensors is developed that allows liquid-crystal beam steerers to be used as nonmechanical microscan devices. This submicroscanning method involves using the beam steerers to shift images on a focal-plane array by a fraction of the amount used in typical microscan methods. Interpolation techniques based on interlaced sampling are used to produce images free of aliasing out to twice the Nyquist frequency determined by the focal-plane array. Since a continuous phase ramp is produced by the liquid-crystal beam steerer, dispersion effects due to the gratinglike nature of the devices are avoided. Simulations for both one- and two-dimensional cases are presented, as well as experimental results using a 3- to 5-μm imaging sensor and a liquid-crystal beam steerer designed for operation at 1.064 μm.
A method for microscanning in imaging sensors is developed that allows liquid-crystal beam steerers to be used as nonmechanical microscan devices. This submicroscanning method involves using liquid-crystal beam steerers to shift images on a focal plane array by a fraction of the amount used in typical microscan methods. Interpolation techniques based on interlaced sampling are used to produce images free of aliasing out to twice the Nyquist frequency determined by the focal plane array. Since a continuous phase ramp is produced by the liquid-crystal beam steerer, dispersion effects due to the grating-like nature of the devices are avoided. Simulations for both 1D and 2D cases are presented, as well as experimental results using a 3 to 5 micrometers imaging sensor and a liquid-crystal beam steerer designed for operation at 1.064 micrometers .
The importance of testing IR imagers and missile seekers with realistic IR scenes warrants a review of the current technologies used in dynamic infrared scene projection. These technologies include resistive arrays, deformable mirror arrays, mirror membrane devices, liquid crystal light valves, laser writers, laser diode arrays, and CRTs. Other methods include frustrated total internal reflection, thermoelectric devices, galvanic cells, Bly cells, and vanadium dioxide. A description of each technology is presented along with a discussion of their relative benefits and disadvantages. The current state of each methodology is also summarized. Finally, the methods are compared and contrasted in terms of their performance parameters.
An analytical model for crosstalk is developed for an infrared scene projector that utilizes a deformable-mirror device as an infrared spatial light modulator. Partial-coherence effects that result from the physical layout of the projection system are included. Crosstalk is determined by defining a crosstalk ratio in the projected image. Crosstalk-ratio calculations are carried out for monochromatic and blackbody projection sources over the 3- to 5-μm wavelength band. The results predict crosstalk ratios of 260:1, 1200:1, and 2400:1 for deformable-mirror pixels of 50, 100, and 150 μm when a blackbody source is used in the projection system. Crosstalk performance is improved at shorter wavelengths and for larger deformable-mirror pixels. The results of a proof-of-principle experiment are included to verify the feasibility of a deformable-mirror device in the projection system.
The modulation transfer functions (MTFs) of hexagonally sampled arrays with both rectangular and hexagonal pixel shapes are derived from spatial averaging considerations. In one direction, the hexagonal pixel shape is shown to provide a 13.6% improvement in MTF at the Nyquist bandlimit over an equivalent rectangular shape. For the orthogonal direction, the hexagonal shape has a slightly worse MTF, which is 4.8% less than the MTF of the rectangular shape at the Nyquist bandlimit.
A method is presented for measuring the modulation transfer function of SPRITE detectors with a HgCdTe composition optimized for the 3-5 micron band. This method incorporates a 3.39-micron HeNe laser to generate Young's fringes of varying spatial frequency, which are scanned across the detector elements. The results are consistent with theoretical models for these devices and indicate a limited resolution capability for SPRITEs used for the 3-5 micron band.
KEYWORDS: Sensors, Modulation transfer functions, Systems modeling, Imaging systems, Analytical research, Diodes, Infrared imaging, Thermal modeling, Data modeling, Signal detection
An impulse response test and data evaluation method for characterizing a SPRITE detector capable of determining carrier lifetime, ambipolar mobility, carrier drift velocity variation, and detector limits is presented. The data obtained with the method can be used to optimize imaging system performance or to tailor future detectors from the same material lot. Results for a 3-5 micron detector bar, 650 microns long with a 62.5 microns horn geometry readout are reported.
A method is presented for synthesis of the spectral dependence of infrared sources. Blackbody sources of different temperatures are used as basis functions in this synthesis. The basis functions are linearly combined with appropriate weighting coefficients to approximate the desired spectral distribution. We demonstrate the method by synthesizing blackbody
functions of certain temperatures that are not one of the basis functions. The parameters to be determined in the synthesis are the temperatures of the basis functions and the values of the weighting coefficients. Realistic hardware constraints are imposed, such as quantization of the weighting coefficients and the use of a limited number of basis functions. The error in the synthesis is determined as a function of the number of basis sources. The use of four sources was found to be a good compromise,
with approximately a 4% error over the 3 to 5 tm band.
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