Mid-Wave Infrared Laser Illuminated Imaging System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current long-range imaging systems fail to effectively detect and identify targets under day or night conditions, especially in the presence of obscurants like smoke, haze, or fog, due to limitations in visibility and range.
Innovation Solution
A mid-wave infrared laser illuminated imaging system that operates in both active and passive modes, using a mid-wave infrared laser for illumination and a gated imaging camera to capture images, with a controller coordinating operations to enhance image clarity and distinguish between active and passive data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If passive visible and near-infrared sensors are used, then high resolution imaging is achieved with small optics, but performance degrades dramatically under reduced visibility conditions (darkness, obscurants)
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the wavelength parameter from visible/near-infrared to mid-wave infrared (3-5 micrometers), where atmospheric transmission is superior. This parameter change allows the system to maintain high imaging resolution while achieving reliable operation through obscurants like smoke, haze, and fog, as MWIR wavelengths experience less scattering and absorption in these conditions.
2Measurement precision
If active visible and near-infrared sensors with time-gating are used, then image clarity is enhanced and darkness observation is achieved, but range is limited by atmospheric attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operating wavelength parameter to mid-wave infrared (3-5 micrometers), which experiences significantly less atmospheric attenuation than visible or near-infrared wavelengths. This parameter change extends the operating range while maintaining image clarity through time-gating, as the MWIR pulses propagate farther through the atmosphere before returning from the target.
3Reliability
If passive MWIR and LWIR sensors are used, then operation in darkness and through obscurants is achieved, but system size and cost increase due to wavelength scaling
Solution Approach 1:
The system selects the mid-wave infrared parameter range (3-5 micrometers) rather than long-wave infrared, representing an optimization within the infrared spectrum. This parameter choice achieves the desired reliability for darkness and obscurant operation while minimizing optics volume, as the 3-5 micron wavelength requires smaller optics compared to longer LWIR wavelengths while still providing superior atmospheric penetration.
4Reliability
If passive MWIR and LWIR sensors are used, then viewing in total darkness is achieved, but thermal contrast degrades during diurnal cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic pulsed laser illumination rather than relying on passive thermal radiation. This periodic active illumination provides consistent target contrast regardless of the diurnal thermal cycle, as the laser actively illuminates the target with known intensity rather than relying on passive thermal emission differences that vary with ambient temperature changes throughout the day.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves robust long-range imaging capabilities under various obscurant conditions by reducing atmospheric backscatter and improving image contrast, allowing for timely target recognition and identification.
Implementation Method 1
a laser for illuminating the object with a signal from within a mid-wave infrared spectral region, such as a signal having a wavelength of 3 to 5 microns
Implementation Method 2
a mid-wave imaging camera for collecting imaging data of the object in the mid-wave infrared spectral region
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for long range recognition and identification of objects and targets, and, more particularly, to long range imaging systems that include the use of mid-wave infrared laser illumination technology are provided. In particular, mid-wave infrared laser illuminated imaging systems and methods are disclosed for addressing, among other things, the problems associated with long range, day or night observations of targets through various obscurants (e.g., fog, haze, rain, smoke). Such systems may be configured to operate in either a single, active illumination mode or in a dual, active/passive mode.