Dynamic minimum resolvable temperature testing for staring array imagers

Abstract

Experimental results of dynamic minimum resolvable temperature (DMRT) testing of a staring array thermal imager are reported. Temporal effects of scanning four bar targets are discussed. The impact of target phase for static minimum resolvable temperature (MRT) tests is presented and shown through measured results. Details of the DMRT test are offered as guidelines for such tests. DMRT test results are shown as a function of scanning speed. Results for good image uniformity are compared to results with poor image uniformity. The experimental results are used to determine the perceived resolution increase as a function of target speed. An optimum scanning speed is identified and discussed. The DMRT results at this optimum scanning speed are compared to the static MRT results. © 1999 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. [S0091-3286(99) Subject terms: minimum resolvable temperature; testing staring arrays; sampled imaging systems.Paper SIS-04