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The viability of extending the Direct Write Scene Generator (DWSG) to project to a sensor system with an optical telescope installed has been investigated. The test approach requires development of transmissive or reflective screens andlor collimator systems to expand the DWSG output to the sensor telescope. Several optical configurations have been examined to accommodate this capability. Measurements of the optical spot size on a camera with a zoom lens have been compared to CODE V predictions. Analysis has been performed to determine the practical limitations of this configuration with regard to testing sensors with a set field of view (FOV). A demonstration of operation of the DWSG through camera optics has been accomplished. The utility of this new capability to closed-loop operation has also been examined.

The operation of the Direct Write Scene Generator ( DWSG to drive a fiber array projection system is reported in this papeiThe fiber arrar absorbs the input radiation from the laser-based system and produces broadband infrared output through hlackhodv cavities fabricated on the ends of the optical fibers .A test program was heguii to quantity the perlormance of the fiber array with respect to input laser, power. temporal response spatial uniformity. IR output. and fiber-to-fiber crosstalk.Static and dynamic scenes will also he projected with the device and captured with a camera systeimi. Preliminary projection of a simple scene has been accomplished.

Technology efforts are underway at Arnold Engineering Development Center to extend closed-loop Direct Write Scene Generation capabilities to include advanced signal-injection and thermal-array optical projection capabilities. Laser-projection for sensor optics with or without optics installed, signalinjection, and thermal-array optical projection schemes provide direct stimulation of dynamic electrooptic sensor systems. FPAs and electro-optic sensors are stimulated with simulated infrared scenes for optical diagnostics and evaluation of focal plane arrays or electro-optic sensor systems, and to simulate complex mission scenarios. Closed-loop operation can provide high-fidelity simulation of complex infrared scenes, sensor optical blurring, and other temporal effects such as jitter. Although all optical stimulation and testing methods have inherent advantages, compromises, and limitations, there is a common desire to not only maximize optical simulation and photonic stimulation fidelity through advanced verification and validation efforts, but to also minimize computational requirements for highperformance diagnostics. Computational and source-to-FPA oversampling have very similar fidelity defects and requirements for signal-injection, laser-projection, and thermal-array optical projection diagnostic .methods. This paper briefly describes scene generation and projection technology and corresponding research devoted to . sampling issues and criteria related to FPA oversampling, corresponding fidelity defects, and performance trades.

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