Backgrounds

doi:10.1117/3.2553485.ch4

Backgrounds

Book: Photonics Rules of Thumb, Third Edition

Author(s): John Lester Miller, Katie Schwertz, Edward J. Friedman, John N. Sanders-Reed, Brian K. McComas

Published: 2020

https://doi.org/10.1117/3.2553485.ch4

Author Affiliations +

Abstract

A typical problem with most electro-optical sensors is that backgrounds can be complex and can include influences that reduce the chances of discerning targets that are superimposed on such backgrounds. The backgrounds against which targets are viewed are often as bright as, and sometimes brighter than, the targets themselves. To detect targets, the sensed background noise (or clutter) levels must be different from the sensed target levels and able to be processed so as to provide acceptable false detection rates. In addition, the background may include spatial variation that includes a size distribution that matches that of the target. In general, it is desirable for any sensor to possess the capability of detecting targets in a variety of environments and backgrounds.