news
Challenges in Electro Optic Infrared Sensor Systems
Challenges in Electro Optic Infrared Sensor Systems
Infrared (IR) technology captures radiation emitted or reflected by objects and uses it to generate imagery.electro optical infrared sensor systems It can see through dense smoke, fog, dust, rain and haze, making it ideal for use on military aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), satellites, and ground-based platforms. Unlike radar systems, which require emitting active radiation and then waiting for a return signal, EO/IR sensors operate passively to detect infrared radiation already emitted by targets.
The EO/IR sensor’s ability to sense radiation varies by wavelength, with the shortwave infrared (SWIR) band providing better image quality and the mid- to long-wave infrared (MWIR) bands allowing longer range detection.electro optical infrared sensor systems The amount of radiation emitted by an object also varies with its temperature. For example, a missile in flight will have a higher thermal contrast than an aircraft in the sky, and a fighter jet’s engines can create a very high thermal contrast with its surroundings.
EO/IR sensors can be mounted on a variety of platforms, from UAVs to large aircraft carriers.electro optical infrared sensor systems Their performance must be optimized to ensure they can provide the necessary situational awareness for operators to track and engage targets, even in adverse environmental conditions. In addition, size, weight and power (SWaP) constraints are important considerations, especially for airborne systems.
One of the biggest challenges in EO/IR systems is ensuring that they can be effectively used in all weather conditions, day and night, in a wide range of environments. The ability to detect the smallest of target signatures in the presence of atmospheric obscurants is key. The size and type of a target can have an impact on its detection range, as well as how it moves and its visual distinctiveness. Weather and atmospheric conditions are also critical, with haze, low cloud cover, smoke, rain and snow all negatively impacting detection range.
New developments in EO/IR sensing technologies focus on achieving higher resolution and range using a combination of advances in digital imaging, sensor and digital signal processing, as well as incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning capabilities to help operators understand what they’re seeing. These technologies are helping to make it easier for Navy gunners to spot incoming threats and enable them to fire at their intended targets.
Some of the most common applications for EO/IR systems include airborne homeland security, combat, and surveillance missions; search and rescue programs; and unmanned aerial vehicle and autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) operations. FLIR is committed to enabling professionals in their mission to save lives and livelihoods by developing EO/IR systems that deliver long-range, reliable, and accurate performance. The company uses a spiral development strategy to invest ahead of anticipated requirements, ensuring that its systems are easy to upgrade as new technologies become available. This allows customers to stay ahead of the curve and remain competitive.
0users like this.
