Stephen W. McHugh

MIRAGE: System overview and status

Santa Barbara Infrareds (SBIR) MIRAGE (Multispectral InfraRed Animation Generation Equipment) is a state-of-the-art dynamic infrared scene projector system. Imagery from the first MIRAGE system was presented to the scene simulation community during last years SPIE AeroSense 99 Symposium. Since that time, SBIR has delivered five MIRAGE systems. This paper will provide an overview of the MIRAGE system and discuss the current status of the MIRAGE. Included is an update of system hardware, and the current configuration. Proposed upgrades to this configuration and options will be discussed. Updates on the latest installations, applications and measured data will also be presented.

High-end infrared imaging sensor evaluation system

The development and manufacture of high performance Infrared imaging sensors requires more than just the tools to design and build them it also requires the tools to accurately characterize their electro-optical performance and further utilize this data to better optimize the product as well as monitor many systems in serial production. Santa Barbara Infrared (SBIR) in cooperation with FLIR Systems, Inc. (FLIR) has competed a project to significantly enhance the capabilities of their IRWindows software package, now IRWindows2001, to meet the needs of all levels of IR system developers. This paper will discuss both hardware and software requirements, for IR staring sensor testing and performance evaluation. Key aspects of the new IRWindows2001 software will be described and their utility will be demonstrated with FLIRs MilCAM RECON InSb handheld IR camera.

MIRAGE: large-format emitter arrays 1024 x 1024 and 1024 x 2048

The IR detector array, which is the heart of any imaging system or missile seeker, continues to evolve toward larger size, smaller pixels, and higher sensitivity. Any scene projector that is intended to test one of these advanced devices must keep pace. As IR scene projection evolves to 1024 X 1024 and 1024 X 2048 arrays, both the emitter array and drive electronics must overcome numerous technological challenges. This paper discusses the approach taken to provide the same 200 Hz frame rate, 16-bit accuracy, and high operability already demonstrated with 512 X 512 MIRAGE arrays in a larger format. In addition to current capabilities that are to be preserved in the design of larger devices, scalability of the architecture to allow growth to even larger formats is desired. Other features such as windowing and even higher frame rates are critical for future applications.

TOD test method for characterizing electro-optical system performance

Santa Barbara Infrared is working with TNO Human Factors Research Institute to develop the equipment and procedures necessary for a new standardized test method for characterizing electro-optical system performance. This method called Triangle Orientation Discrimination (TOD), offers a statistically more accurate and less subjective method of characterizing electro-optical system performance. TOD testing provides an excellent means of performing system level tests that characterizes spatial sensitivity in conjunction with target contrast, just as MRTD and MRC tests do, but in a more statistically accurate manner with less operator to operator variability. System design parameters and options will be discussed.

MIRAGE dynamic IR scene projector overview and status

The MIRAGE Dynamic IR Scene Projector is a standard product being developed jointly by Santa Barbara Infrared, Inc. and Indigo Systems Corporation. MIRAGE is a complete IR scene projection system, accepting digital or analog scene data as the input and providing all other electronics, optics and mechanics to project high fidelity dynamic IR scenes to the unit under test. At the heart of the MIRAGE system is the 512 X 512 microemitter array that incorporates many state-of-the-art features previously not available. The Read-In-Integrated-Circuit (RIIC) leverages technology from IR Focal Plane electronics to provide a system with advanced capability with low risk. The RIIC incorporates on chip DACs, snap-shot frame updating, constant current mode, voltage drive emitters and substrate ground plane providing high resolution and low noise performance in a very small package. The first 512 X 512 microemitter assembly has been received and was imaged on 2 APR 99. The complete MIRAGE system is currently in integration with the first deliverable unit scheduled for June 1999.

Advanced test and calibration systems for integrated multisensor platforms with infrared, visible, and laser range finder/designator capabilities

This paper discusses recent advances in the development of test and evaluation instrumentation for military laser range-finder (LRF) and designation systems. Recent strides have been made at Santa Barbara Infrared (SBIR) in the development of sophisticated active ranging simulation instruments for range accuracy and receiver sensitivity measurement, integrated measurement modules for laser pulse energy and temporal characteristics, and pulsed laser diode targets/sources for shared-aperture IR/laser sensor test and evaluation. In parallel with these activities, NAVSEA has led the development and validation of state-of-the-art reference standard radiometers used in the calibration of narrow-pulse laser systems at 1060 nm and 1550 nm. This paper will describe the application, capabilities, and performance of SBIRs active ranging, laser measurements, and pulsed laser source modules, and NAVSEAs high-performance 1060/1550 nm radiometric instrumentation.

1024 x 1024 large-format resistive array (LFRA) design, fabrication, and system development status

Resistive emitter-based IRSP technology still leads the industry in terms of a flickerless, high dynamic range test solution. Santa Barbara Infrared (SBIR) is producing a high performance 1024 x 1024 Large Format Resistive emitter Array (LFRA) for use in the next generation of IR Scene Projectors (IRSPs). The CMOS Read-In Integrated Circuit (RIIC) was designed by SBIR and Indigo Systems, and fabricated at AMI Semiconductor. Performance and features include > 700 K MWIR maximum apparent temperature, 5 ms radiance rise time (10-90%), 200 Hz full frame update, and 400 Hz window mode operation. Ten 8” CMOS wafers have been fabricated and preliminarily characterized. Emitter pixel design is underway and emitter fabrication is scheduled to start at Microelectronics Center of North Carolina Research & Development Institute (MCNC-RDI) in mid-2003. This paper discusses the RIIC design, wafer probe test results, emitter pixel design, emitter fabrication plans, packaging and test plans, and reports on 1024 x 1024 IRSP system component development status.

MIRAGE: developments in IRSP system development, RIIC design, emitter fabrication, and performance

SBIRs family of MIRAGE infrared scene projection systems is undergoing significant growth and expansion. SBIR has completed the transition of Honeywells resistive emitter technology to MCNC Research and Development Institute (MCNC-RDI), and is preparing for first-lot production of IR emitters in support of ongoing programs. Development of MIRAGE resistive emitter-based products is underway in order to increase maximum scene temperature, decrease radiance rise time, and improve overall operation. The 1024 x 1024 Large Format Resistive Array (LFRA) Read-In Integrated Circuit (RIIC) has been fabricated and tested, with emitter fabrication to start in mid-2003. A next-generation MIRAGE II(512 x 512) RIIC is also ready for fabrication, in support of high-performance MIRAGE II 512 x 512 systems providing greater than 750 K MWIR apparent temperature, and less than 5 ms 10-90% MWIR radiance rise time. In support of these new technologies and products, SBIR has developed test equipment and facilities for use in next-generation MIRAGE device wafer probing, test, evaluation, diagnostic, and assembly processes.

Performance comparison of reflective and emissive target projector systems for high-performance IR sensors

This paper presents qualitative and quantitative comparisons between emissive and reflective target technologies used in the application of IR target projection for thermal imager test and evaluation. Comparison of target projector performance in MRTD, SiTF, MTF, and other test areas will be presented. Relative advantages and disadvantages of emissive and reflective systems will be shown, in addition to requirements placed upon test laboratory environment by the different projector technologies. Discussion of software-based compensation techniques for mitigating reflected ambient effects, environmental ambient drift, and other anomalies will also be provided.

Progress and plans for incorporation of IVI standards for electro-optic testing

The DoD has determined that standardization of Electro-Optic testing is beneficial to current and future Automated Test Systems (ATS). Adopting standards will reduce cost of ownership of ATS and will improve flexibility through interoperability of ATS. The current state of the art in instrument standardization is the Interchangeable Virtual Instrument (IVI) Foundation standards already adopted for commercial standard test equipment such as Digital Multimeters. The Navy has formed a working group entitled “EO Software Working Group” that is meeting quarterly to come up with appropriate IVI standards for EO testing. Considerable progress has been made over the past two years. The first specification, for Blackbodies, has been produced (draft version). Over the next 18 months this will be finalized and submitted to the IVI Standards Committee for formal approval. In addition, other specifications for EO testing will be developed and submitted for formal incorporation. This paper will describe the needs for standardization in the ATS community and the progress in EO IVI standards.