Mitigation of laser dazzle effects on a mid-wave infrared thermal imager by reducing the integration time of the focal plane array

Lewis, Gareth D.; Santos, Cristiane Nascimento; Vandewal, Marijke

doi:10.1117/12.2532240

Cited by 6 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…One such misconception of laser dazzle is that the saturated central region is the location of the peak radiance signal. It is not; the central region is the location for a local minimum, as observed in Figure 4, shown in reference 14 and described as 'gray pixels in the over-exposed area' by Durecu, Bourdon et Vasseur 8 . However, this fact matters little to the tracking algorithm of an ir guided seeker since it is a predictable trait that identifies the sourceback to Home-on-Jam.…”

Section: Static Dazzlementioning

confidence: 94%

“…Our data show a tendency for convergence in the number of saturated pixels with increasing integration time. If we consider the results for a similar experiment but differing primarily in the focal length of the telescope lens 14 . The ratio of saturated pixels (pixelssaturated(f=100mm) : pixelssaturated(f=25mm)) varies from 4:1 at 2 mW/cm 2 to approximately 2:1 at 10 mW/cm 2 up to 100 mW/cm 2 .…”

Section: Static Dazzlementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Simulations of the interaction of laser dazzle with imagers are fundamental to gaining the most from experimental and trials data 13 . It is also vital to understand the impact of the focal plane array integration on the extent of laser dazzle 14 . Elder 15 states that the critical driver for DIRCM lasers is to increase their wall plug efficiency, which is currently a maximum of 20% for quantum cascade lasers and over 30% for fiber lasers.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The effectiveness of amplitude modulation on the laser dazzling of a mid-infrared imager

Lewis

Struyve²,

Boeckx³

et al. 2022

High-Power Lasers and Technologies for Optical Countermeasures

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Aviation is exceptionally vulnerable to man-portable missile attacks (MANPADS), particularly during the critical stages of flight, e.g., take-off and landing. Consequently, aircraft require a further means of self-protection in addition to pyrotechnic flares. Laser Directed Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) target the infrared guidance system present in the majority of all MANPADS, resulting in sensor dazzle and possible damage-a soft kill approach. Unfortunately, current DIRCM systems, albeit highly effective against first and second-generation seekers, are less against imaging ones (third and fourth-generation). Our paper investigates a means to increase the effectiveness of dazzle by modulating the laser at a rate close to the frame rate of the imaging sensor, i.e., a strobing effect. A continuous-wave quantum cascade laser (QCL) at 4.6 microns illuminated a mid-infrared focal plane array imager, modulated by either an optical chopper or by periodically varying the current of the QCL. The laser beam and a representative target were combined optically using plano and off-axis parabolic mirrors, resulting in the imager viewing a dazzled scene at infinity. In summary, we demonstrate experimentally that the intermittency of the laser dazzle could improve the effectiveness of a DIRCM system.

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Section: Static Dazzlementioning

confidence: 94%

Section: Static Dazzlementioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The effectiveness of amplitude modulation on the laser dazzling of a mid-infrared imager

Lewis

Struyve²,

Boeckx³

et al. 2022

High-Power Lasers and Technologies for Optical Countermeasures

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show abstract

“…Durécu and co-workers have studied laser dazzling of a MCT focal plane detector in an experimental setup [15]. Several authors have examined dazzling of an InSb cameras [16,17,18,19]. Dazzling of a commercial QWIP camera has been examined at FOI [16].…”

Section: Dazzling Of Ir-sensorsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Laser dazzling: an overview

Steinvall

2023

Technologies for Optical Countermeasures XIX

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Laser dazzling is both a threat and offers a survival capability in military scenarios. Dazzling may blind or mislead optically directed or guided weapons as well as temporarily dazzle operators in critical situations. Laser dazzlers can also serve as warning devices in checkpoint and riot control and other situations. While laser damage of sensors may be an alternative, this is generally more difficult due to the demand on high energy short pulse lasers. The development of small (handheld or weapon mounted) compact laser dazzlers at various wavelength continue to develop and are being a threat to sensors in all wavelength bands, from the visible to thermal IR. This paper will discuss some tactical considerations for the use of laser dazzlers in all optical bands from the visible to thermal IR.

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“…When an imaging sensor system (e.g., a surveillance camera or a thermal imager) is illuminated with laser radiation of appropriate wavelength and power/pulse energy, the sensor system may become incapacitated [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]. Incapacitation means that the sensor system can no longer fulfill its intended task, either through reversible (non-damaging) effects, such as dazzle, or through irreversible effects because of sensor damage.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Estimation of Lens Stray Light with Regard to the Incapacitation of Imaging Sensors—Part 2: Validation

Schwarz

Ritt

Eberle

2022

Sensors

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Recently, we developed a simple theoretical model for the estimation of the irradiance distribution at the focal plane of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) camera lenses in case of laser illumination. The purpose of such a model is to predict the incapacitation of imaging sensors when irradiated by laser light. The model is based on closed-form equations that comprise mainly standard parameters of the laser dazzle scenario and those of the main devices involved (laser source, camera lens and imaging sensor). However, the model also includes three non-standard parameters, which describe the scattering of light within the camera lens. In previous work, we have performed measurements to derive these typically unknown scatter parameters for a collection of camera lenses of the Double-Gauss type. In this publication, we compare calculations based on our theoretical model and the measured scatter parameters with the outcome of stray light simulations performed with the optical design software FRED in order to validate the reliability of our theoretical model and of the derived scatter parameters.

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Mitigation of laser dazzle effects on a mid-wave infrared thermal imager by reducing the integration time of the focal plane array

Cited by 6 publications

References 6 publications

The effectiveness of amplitude modulation on the laser dazzling of a mid-infrared imager

The effectiveness of amplitude modulation on the laser dazzling of a mid-infrared imager

Laser dazzling: an overview

Estimation of Lens Stray Light with Regard to the Incapacitation of Imaging Sensors—Part 2: Validation

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