Laser-based direct-write scene generation methods for closed-loop focal-plane-array diagnostics

This paper describes recent technology development at Arnold Engineering Development Center to provide real-time closed- loop optical diagnostics for focal-plane-array and electro- optical sensor characterization and evaluation. Laser-based Direct-Write Scene Generation methods are used to simulate dynamic sensor operation and complex infrared backgrounds and target scenes. in order to provide more optimized optical simulation fidelity and to reduce computational burdens, closed-loop Direct Write Scene Generation image- synthesis methods employ image-to-object Whittaker-Shannon sampling, anisoplanatic optical convolution by quasi- isoplanatic spatial decomposition, and high-speed digital electronics for acousto-optic modulation. Optical and computational decomposition not only provide high-fidelity optical simulation for anisoplanatic optical sensors and complex infrared scenes, but also facilitates high-speed parallel-processing schemes for real-time closed-loop sensor operation. Some emphasis is devoted in this paper to describing the methodology and discussing fidelity and performance issues for closed-loop testing.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.