<title>Diode laser arrays for dynamic infrared scene projection</title>

Abstract

A novel concept for dynamic IR scene projection using IR diode lasers has been developed. This technology offers significant cost and performance advantages over other currently available projector technologies. Performance advantages include high dynamic range, multiple wavebands, and high frame rates. A projector system which utilizes a 16-element linear array has been developed and integrated into the millimeter wave/infrared (MMW/IR) hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) facility at the US Army Missile Command's (USAMICOM's) Research, Development, and Engineering Center (RDEC). This projector has demonstrated dynamic range in excess of 105, apparent temperatures greater than 2500 degree(s)C, and nanosecond response times. Performance characteristics for this projector system are presented in the paper. Designs for projectors to test other IR sensor configurations, including FPAs, have been developed and are presented as well. The FPA design consists of a linear array of diode lasers scanned by a polygon mirror. This low-cost projector offers high resolution, high contrast 2-D scenes at up to 10 KHz frame rates. Simulation of active IR countermeasures is another promising application of diode laser projector systems. The diode laser is capable of simulating flares or virtually any IR jammer waveform.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.