Optimal discriminating multispectral target detection and optical correlation target tracking

This paper presents feasibility studies of a multispectral moving target detection (MTD) system designed to detect and track low-signature moving targets. The system performs multispectral detection based on linear and nonlinear optimal discriminating features (ODF) for low-signature target detection and correlation tracking of slowly moving targets in clutter. Multispectral detection was tested against multispectral data from an acousto-optic tunable filter in the visible and near infrared. Optical Joint Transform Correlator for target tracking was designed and manufactured. The feasibility of correlation target tracking was demonstrated with actual Army MICOM FLIR long wavelength infrared (LWIR: 8 to 12 μm) images of moving vehicles and tanks in clutter.© (2003) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.