High f-number uncooled microbolometer performance for UAV-mounted targeting.
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| Title: | High f-number uncooled microbolometer performance for UAV-mounted targeting. |
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| Authors: | Hermann, Amy1 (AUTHOR) amynhermann@gmail.com, Burrell, Derek1 (AUTHOR) derekburrell@arizona.edu, Leslie, Patrick1 (AUTHOR) leslieps@email.arizona.edu, Hendrick, Angus James1 (AUTHOR) angushendrick@arizona.edu, Rubis, Jordan Lea1 (AUTHOR) jlrubis@arizona.edu, Jacobs, Eddie L.2 (AUTHOR) eljacobs@memphis.edu, Conroy, Joseph3 (AUTHOR) joseph.k.conroy3.civ@army.mil, Driggers, Ronald1 (AUTHOR) rdriggers@optics.arizona.edu |
| Source: | Optical Engineering. Jun2026, Vol. 65 Issue 6, p64111-64111. 1p. |
| Subjects: | Infrared imaging, Optical apertures, Drone warfare, Infrared detectors |
| Abstract: | The selection of infrared imaging systems for long-range targeting on small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has historically favored low f-number systems, which maximize light collection and minimize the impacts of high noise equivalent temperature difference (NETD). However, recent developments have improved the NETDs of uncooled infrared microbolometers (UCIRs) to as low as 20 mK, which will continue to improve as τ -NETD products decrease. These advances open new opportunities for high f-number systems, particularly on small UAVs, where payload restrictions limit other methods of improving targeting ability. This study models the relationship between f-number, target contrast temperature, and range performance for aperture-constrained microbolometers. Modeled predictions are compared and verified with field measurements. Based on these results, two rules of thumb are developed and evaluated for their ability to select an f-number that maximizes targeting range. Worked examples illustrate how these RoTs can be employed to optimize the targeting abilities of UAV-mounted UCIRs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Engineering Source |
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