Advanced Electro-Optical Infrared Sensors for UAVs and UAVs

Advanced Electro-Optical Infrared Sensors for UAVs and UAVs

Electro-optical infrared (EOIR) is the heart of manned and unmanned aircraft intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) missions.two axis electro optical infrared It provides real-time situational awareness in a variety of operating environments, such as night or adverse weather conditions. EOIR systems require high-resolution imaging sensors, such as midinfrared (MWIR) or shortwave infrared (SWIR), and an associated optical system. Airborne EOIR can provide wide field of view (FOV) images to track targets and collect data at range, or narrow FOV to identify a target.

The emergence of UAVs and other vehicles with advanced electro-optical (EO) and infrared (IR) sensor systems have dramatically improved airborne ISR capabilities.two axis electro optical infrared However, the challenge remains to provide these sensors with the performance and ruggedness needed for military applications in the demanding operational environment.

Advanced EO Systems designs, integrates and tests state-of-the-art imaging systems, positioning components and laser radar (ladar) for use by the United States Air Force, Department of Defense and commercial customers.two axis electro optical infrared These products include EO and IR focal plane arrays, hybrid EO/IR staring arrays, and laser radar (ladar) for detecting, tracking and identifying difficult air and ground targets in challenging environments.

To improve the sensitivity of the EO/IR sensor, the system is integrated with a gimbal mechanism to steer the line of sight of the sensors.two axis electro optical infrared The gimbal is controlled by the platform's flight control system, which is connected to the EO/IR and MWIR sensors via fiber optic cables. The gimbal is capable of rotating in the pitch and roll axes to track a target as it moves through different flight paths and elevations.

An EO/IR pod mounted on an UAV completes target search, observation and tracking to support intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions in day and night. The Pod uses a solid turret structure with two axes of four-framework construction to realize gyro stabilization and eliminate vibration on the carrier platform.

The Pod also carries a visible light TV and an infrared sensor for a clear image under adverse weather conditions. The EO/IR sensor is powered by an external battery pack for long missions.

The hybrid VO2/Al:ZnO heterojunctions were used to study the switching behavior at the infrared region (l = 2650 nm). Unlike traditional hysteresis loops, the infrared reflectance spectra of the VO2/Al:ZnO device showed a monotonous increase with temperature. The hysteresis variation was mainly caused by the thermal expansion of the interface. In addition, the VO2/Al:ZnO devices demonstrated superior switching properties with lower voltage. The switching time was proportional to the applied voltage and was much faster than that of VO2/graphene or VO2/ITO systems. This result suggests that the dual TCF layer on VO2/Al:ZnO provides enhanced switch performance and stability at the infrared region. The results show that the hybrid VO2/Al:ZnO system is promising for future applications in high-resolution IR sensor systems.

Tags:electro optical targeting system eots | airborne electro optical pod | electro optical infrared sensor | electro optical sensor system