EO/IR Cameras

EO/IR Cameras

Unlike cameras that use visible light, EO/IR systems are passive; they are not illuminated by sunlight or moonlight (or even the target’s own emission).eo ir camera Instead, they create an image of a scene by detecting thermal radiation and interpreting it based on its temperature.eo ir camera

This enables them to work in total darkness.eo ir camera They can also see through smoke and fog, as these conditions don’t block thermal radiation.eo ir camera This makes them useful in fire fighting, nav avigation, and other tasks that require visibility under poor conditions.

The spectral band chosen for an EO/IR system depends on the targets and mission to be accomplished.eo ir camera The phenomenology of the target may dominate this choice; for example, missile launch detection is dependent on very hot exhaust gases, which produce the majority of their radiation in the UV.eo ir camera

In addition, the IR sensor’s ability to see through a given environment is affected by its own performance characteristics, such as the ability to separate signal from noise and its ability to distinguish emissive from reflective objects.eo ir camera The sensitivity of the sensor is also impacted by its optical design, detector and display technologies.

EO/IR systems often divide into those that deal with point targets and those that require extended images, or “clutter”, to be detected.eo ir camera Point target detection is a difficult challenge; the sensor must be able to detect a very bright point of light against a complex clutter background. This requires very high sensitivity, a large field of view, and sophisticated noise reduction algorithms.

For extended targets, the challenge is a little different: the sensor must be able to detect varying shades of gray in order to identify an object against its backdrop.eo ir camera This can be challenging for a wide range of missions.

Achieving this requires a large field of view, a high pixel density, and sophisticated image processing.eo ir camera In addition, a large number of pixels must be able to operate in a single frame, which adds to the sensor’s computational demands.

Many EO/IR systems use a combination of sensors and processors, which can help to mitigate the effects of environmental conditions.eo ir camera This can allow for a balance of performance, flexibility and cost.

The EO/IR sensor’s ability to penetrate a given obscurant is also influenced by the size and composition of its particles.eo ir camera Haze is a mixture of small, dusty particles and larger aerosols such as water vapor and smoke. The size and concentration of the particle/aerosol determines how well it scatters light; for example, smaller particles scatter light less effectively than larger ones.

For this reason, different EO/IR systems can perform differently in the same environment.eo ir camera It is important to test a specific system in the exact environment in which it will be deployed. Having this data can enable designers to develop optimal solutions for specific environments and mission requirements. Contact the EO/IR experts at Quickset Defense Technologies for more information. We can provide you with all the technical articles, software downloads and product manuals that you need to make an informed decision.

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