A new approach to FLIR MRTD testing

A key performance parameter of thermal imaging systems is the minimum resolvable temperature difference (MRTD). The authors describe a new approach to on-platform end-to-end thermal imaging system testing which can be accomplished in an unstable field environment, and application of the technique to a superior cost effective field MRTD test system. The new approach consists of quickly establishing the system radiometric zero and very accurately referencing all blackbody temperatures to the radiometric zero. This approach provides excellent radiometric control, resolution, stability, and speed that are needed for meaningful field testing of thermal imaging systems. A test system which incorporates the technology, the portable electrooptics tester (PET), is a small, man-portable field forward-looking IR (FLIR) MRTD test system. The PET was designed to accurately measure multiple spatial frequency minimum resolvable temperatures (MRTs) within minutes of power application. A novel technique is also used to determine if the thermal imaging system under test is mission capable, even if it is not performing to its design specification.<>