The design and use of imaging extensions to thermal imaging equipment, as well as designing test equipment for determining the operating parameters of thermal imagers is particularly relevent to both military and commercial use for this technology.

Often, we can extend the use of limited systems by the addition of extra optics, thus cost effectively extending the uses of an imager from its intended use to another.

"The above image shows a panoramic scan system that provides angle encoded output to extend the horizontal field of view of a standard thermal imager, without purchasing expensive new infrared lenses."

The performance of all thermal imaging systems, whether 3-5µm or 8-12µm systems, can be assessed by measuring the following parameters:

• Minimum Resolveable Temperature Difference (MRTD) - the ability of a thermal imager to spatially resolve an object of varying size at a known temperature above or below that of the background scene
• Minimum Detectable Temperature Difference (MDTD) - the ability of a thermal imager to distinguish an object of varying size at a known temperature above or below that of the background scene
• Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) - measurement of the quality of the image produced by an imager by defining the limit of spatial resolution

We are able to specify test aparatus for your imaging system, as well as design custom equipment if required.

If you would like to discuss your thermal imaging test equipment or optical systems, please contact us at the e-mail address below:

optical@aston-technical-consulting.co.uk