Lockheed Martin Corporation

Lockhead Martin Corp.

Albert W Kongable

Mark T Myers

A compact infrared (IR) scene generator capable of generating multiple-color mid-IR scenes through the use of readily available commercial near-IR lasers and a fluorescent conversion material (FCM). Such a scene generator would be useful to test IR imaging sensors in a controlled laboratory environment. In operation, each laser emits energy at an initial wavelength outside the operating band of an IR imaging sensor. This energy of a first set of wavelengths is written onto the FCM in patterns, which collectively form an IR scene. The FCM absorbs the energy and radiates it at wavelengths longer than the initial wavelengths, i.e., a second set of wavelengths. As these longer wavelengths are within the operating waveband of the IR imaging sensor, the patterns written onto the FCM are detectable by it.

Infrared scene generator using fluorescent conversion material

A system is provided for boresighting a laser to a passive sensor using a fluorescent conversion material. A passive sensor, such as a FLIR, is aligned with a boresight module using a test pattern on a fluorescent conversion material. Laser energy is then emitted onto the fluorescent conversion material at a first wavelength which is beyond the passive sensor's operating waveband. The fluorescent conversion material then radiates the laser energy at a second wavelength which is within the passive sensor's operating waveband. The location where the laser energy is radiated on the fluorescent conversion material is used as a reference in boresighting the laser to the passive sensor.

Method and apparatus for boresighting a laser with a forward looking infrared device

A method for targeting includes illuminating an object, receiving reflected energy of a first wavelength, converting the reflected energy into an energy of a second wavelength, and detecting the energy of a second wavelength. A system for targeting includes a convertor having a first side and a second side, the convertor constructed to convert energy incident upon the first side at a first wavelength to energy passing through the second side at a second wavelength, and a sensor detecting the energy of the second wavelength.

Closed loop tracking and active imaging of an out-of-band laser through the use of a fluorescent conversion material

The present invention pertains to a low noise, high sensitivity position sensing module. Fiber optic tapers are coupled to independent, optically and electrically isolated single element detectors. The detectors are optionally supported within a mounting plate on one side thereof and the fiber optic tapers are coupled to the detectors on the opposite side of the mounting plate. Since single element detectors are used, the active surfaces of the detectors are shielded both optically and electrically from each other. A laser rangefinder can be integrated with the position sensing module.

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Orlando, FL, United States of America

Albert W Kongable