Fundamentals and Basic Applications of the Infrared Spectrum

Question 1

Explain the fundamental characteristics of electromagnetic and IR radiation

Answer 1

• All objects above 0 K/ -293 C emit IR!
• Heated externally (sun) or internally (engine)
• Behaves like light

Question 2

Define terminology associated with optical/IR radiation

Answer 2

• Watts measure power/heat
• Lumens measure light visible to eye
• ART: absorb, reflect, transmit = 100% of energy

Question 3

Explain the laws of Blackbody IR radiation

Answer 3

Blackbody is a perfect absorption

Question 4

Identify the factors that affect the propagation of optical and IR radiation

Answer 4

• Temperature
• emissivity
• IR radiant intensity (brightness)

Question 5

Explain the basic optical/IR energy detection problem and typical method of detection

Answer 5

Problem
- Attenuation
- Additional radiation sources
- Radiation spreading (flashlight)
Detection
- Thermal type - Higher heat signature
- Quantum type - wavelength

Question 6

Discuss applications of optical/IR detection systems

Answer 6

• EO/IR imaging systems
• Detectors
• Terminal homing seekers
• Video trackers
• Automatic target recognizers
• IRCM systems
• Laser systems
• Space imaging systems