Real-time millimeter-wave imaging radiometer for avionic synthetic vision

John A. Lovberg; Ri-Chee Chou; Christopher A. Martin

doi:10.1117/12.179608

13 July 1994 Real-time millimeter-wave imaging radiometer for avionic synthetic vision

John A. Lovberg, Ri-Chee Chou, Christopher A. Martin

Proceedings Volume 2220, Sensing, Imaging, and Vision for Control and Guidance of Aerospace Vehicles; (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.179608
Event: SPIE's International Symposium on Optical Engineering and Photonics in Aerospace Sensing, 1994, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

ThermoTrex Corporation (TTC) has developed an imaging radiometer, the passive microwave camera (PMC), that uses an array of frequency-scanned antennas coupled to a multi-channel acousto-optic (Bragg cell) spectrum analyzer to form visible images of a scene through acquisition of thermal blackbody radiation in the millimeter-wave spectrum. The output of the Bragg cell is imaged by a standard video camera and passed to a computer for normalization and display at real-time frame rates. One application of this system could be its incorporation into an enhanced vision system to provide pilots with a clear view of the runway during fog and other adverse weather conditions. The unique PMC system architecture will allow compact large-aperture implementations because of its flat antenna sensor. Other potential applications include air traffic control, all-weather area surveillance, fire detection, and security. This paper describes the architecture of the TTC PMC and shows examples of images acquired with the system.

Citation Download Citation

John A. Lovberg, Ri-Chee Chou, and Christopher A. Martin "Real-time millimeter-wave imaging radiometer for avionic synthetic vision", Proc. SPIE 2220, Sensing, Imaging, and Vision for Control and Guidance of Aerospace Vehicles, (13 July 1994); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.179608

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