Operational Testing and Applications of the AIRS FPA with Infrared Fisheye Optics

Nova’s development of the “Modular Infrared Imaging Applications Development System” (MIRIADS) produced a longwave infrared (LWIR) camera system that operated the “Adaptive Infrared Sensor” (AIRS) focal plane device produced by the Raytheon Infrared Operations (RIO) organization. A novel system architecture permitted the integration of an infrared fisheye lens system produced by Optics 1, Inc., which permitted a complete hemispherical field of view to be imaged onto the AIRS FPA. This paper will describe applications for this system as an extremely wide field-of-view IR sensor (early warning detection, fire detection, etc.), and will present test imagery collected with the system. This technology advancement has been the result of the coordinated effort of a variety of companies and government agencies. This presentation will highlight significant contributions of individuals and will indicate the effectiveness of the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program in helping to advance this nation’s technology base. FPA, LWIR, AIRS, electronics, dewar packaging, fisheye optics, sensor processing