MWIR sensor well fill: sources, effects and mitigation

Cornelius J. Willers; Tristan M. Goss

doi:10.1117/12.2244781

3 February 2017 MWIR sensor well fill: sources, effects and mitigation

Proceedings Volume 10036, Fourth Conference on Sensors, MEMS, and Electro-Optic Systems; 1003616 (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2244781
Event: Fourth Conference on Sensors, MEMS and Electro-Optic Systems, 2016, Skukuza, Kruger National Park, South Africa

Abstract

Detailed radiometric analysis has shown that 3-5 µm medium wave infrared (MWIR) staring array well fill quickly reaches very high percentages, once hot optics, path radiance and inefficient f-number matching are taken into account. Well fill values of 90% plus are not unheard of. Likewise, the sensor noise eats away at the sensitivity. Therefore, it would appear that the very small signals often sought might not get sufficient dynamic bit-range to describe small signal flux propagating through poor atmospheres. This work presents a very detailed real-world model that includes all known factors that might compete for the bit resolution in a digitized sensor signal. The effect of different scene temperatures, atmospheric conditions and sensor design characteristics are briefly investigated. The effect of the various well fill contributors are shown in relation to each other in order to build an understanding of the nature of the total well fill. Finally, some mitigation measures are described to limit the negative effects of undue large well fill.

Citation Download Citation

Cornelius J. Willers and Tristan M. Goss "MWIR sensor well fill: sources, effects and mitigation", Proc. SPIE 10036, Fourth Conference on Sensors, MEMS, and Electro-Optic Systems, 1003616 (3 February 2017); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2244781

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