Thermal contrast definition for infrared imaging sensors

Michael R. Whalen; Eric J. Borg

doi:10.1117/12.151043

13 August 1993 Thermal contrast definition for infrared imaging sensors

Michael R. Whalen, Eric J. Borg

Proceedings Volume 1967, Characterization, Propagation, and Simulation of Sources and Backgrounds III; (1993) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.151043
Event: Optical Engineering and Photonics in Aerospace Sensing, 1993, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

Given the dependence of infrared imaging system performance on target thermal contrast, the accuracy in defining target (Delta) Ts is of critical importance. The current definition of (Delta) T neglects temperature variance across the target, and its inadequacy in characterizing infrared signatures is becoming increasingly apparent. With the advent of more sophisticated sensors and signal processors, with increased capabilities to extract more detailed thermal features, a new method of defining (Delta) T which includes temperature variance is required. This paper presents a new definition of thermal contrast, validates its improved capability to predict thermal imaging sensor performance with the available data, and addresses related issues including the effects of range and sensor resolution on the apparent temperature variance and the contribution of background clutter to the overall scene variance.

Citation Download Citation

Michael R. Whalen and Eric J. Borg "Thermal contrast definition for infrared imaging sensors", Proc. SPIE 1967, Characterization, Propagation, and Simulation of Sources and Backgrounds III, (13 August 1993); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.151043

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available