Model for the prediction of sensitivity of passive Fourier transform infrared sensors

The objective of this effort is simulate realistic interferograms for passive remote detection of hazardous vapors. Radiant power spectra are the starting point from which fast Fourier transforms (FFT) are used to create interferograms. The characteristics of the various noise sources, detector and background, are discussed. In an example detector noise is added to the synthetic interferogram and the double-sided spectrum. The spectrum and the interferogram are repeatedly transformed and the noise levels compared.