Infrared Scene Projector (IRSP) System

Most objects, animate or inanimate, emit energy in the IR spectrum at wavelengths ranging from 1 - 15 microns. These emitted photons travel through space and can be detected by a sensitive IR sensor. An array of such sensors can provide an IR image of the emitting object. This IR image sensing capability provides the basis for producing a missile or weapon system, which uses such IR imagery for terminal homing guidance. Performance evaluation and testing of such weapons, if performed in the open air environment, is both extremely expensive and subject to many influences that are hard or impossible to control. It is highly-desirable to move the test and evaluation process into a laboratory where nondestructive simulation and testing can be performed in a closely controlled environment.

New IR Scene Projector Technology
Dynetics is introducing a new thermal scene simulator based on fast, yet economical Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS) technology. This product creates a thermal image by individual pixel phase retardation of reflected energy from a specified emitter source. A fast rise time is made possible by using Ferro-electric Liquid Crystal, which can switch full ‘ON’ or full ‘OFF’ in about 1 millisecond, thus exhibiting faster thermal rise times than resistor arrays. An analog pixel drive provides superior thermal resolution in a single frame image – an important issue when exercising fast integrating (millisecond or less) sensors. Synchronization with the system under test is recommended, but normal operation does not require a vacuum or a chiller system. Asynchronous capable models are also feasible for some applications. Simulated apparent temperature depends upon design waveband (SWIR, MWIR, LWIR) and the source. The most popular low-price MWIR model can achieve 250 deg C (525 deg K) integrated across the full 3-5 micron waveband. LWIR models can use Blackbody or laser sources. The SWIR model can be configured to simulate a large number of flares with spectral fidelity, dynamic motion, shape, and size. Dynetics offers integrated systems equipped with Blackbody, laser, or custom spectral emitter sources, thus providing quality performance at affordable prices.