Abstract: A system, method, and device for simulating an IR signature to test an IR detection device. At least one infrared LED display is provided. Each infrared LED display contains infrared LEDs that emit the desired IR signature. A reflector reflects the IR signature toward the IR detection device. The configuration of the reflector is dependent upon the configuration of the infrared LED display and whether or not some intermediate lens system is used. The IR signature is collimated as it travels to the IR detection device. The IR signature can be collimated by the reflector or by an added lens system. The IR signature fills the field of view associated with the IR detection system. The IR signature comes from a computer-controlled display. As such, the system can simulate various IR signatures and move those IR signatures throughout the field of view of the IR detection system.

Abstract: A display that can play dynamic video imagery using purely infrared light. Such dynamic video imagery is useful in testing infrared detection equipment. The display contains thousands of solid state infrared LEDs. Different infrared LED types are used. Each type of LED in use emits infrared light in some selected band of the infrared spectrum. The overall display can be designed to simulate infrared signal sources for a particular type of infrared detection system. If a particular infrared detection system detects infrared energy only in a specific range, the infrared LED display can be made to have a high resolution of LEDs within that specific range and a lower resolution of LEDs outside that specific range that would be useful for calibration purposes.

Abstract: A system, method, and device for evaluating the intensity profile of a laser beam. The laser detection system has a target surface with an interior and an exterior. The target surface and a housing create a target pod with an enclosed interior chamber. A beacon is provided at the target pod to provide for targeting. A camera is provided that images the interior of the target surface from within the enclosed interior chamber. Some percentage of the intensity of the laser beam passes through the target surface uniformly and illuminates the interior of the target surface when the laser beam strikes the target surface. The illumination of and subsequent scattering from the interior of the target surface is imaged by the camera for analysis. By detecting the laser intensity as a function of position, the intensity profile of the laser beam can be quantified.

Abstract: A system and method for simulating realistically sized emission signature of a weapon system or weapon platform for the purpose of testing an optical detection device at a long distance in the field. The system utilizes an image screen with a curved imaging surface that is positioned at least one kilometer away from the optical detection device being tested for example. The optical testing device observes the image screen through ambient environmental conditions. A projection device is provided at a first distance from the image screen. The projection device projects a simulation of the emission signature onto the curved imaging surface. The curved imaging surface reflects the simulation toward the optical detection device. A focusing system can be used to adjust the reflection so that the simulation is collimated, converging or dispersing as it progresses toward the optical detection device.

Abstract: A system, method, and device for simulating an emission signature, which contains representative intensity, temporal, and spectral emission profiles of a weapon system or weapon platform for the purpose of testing an optical detection device. A projection system optically projects the emission signature. A projection screen is provided that has a concave curvature. The concave curvature possesses a first focal point and a second focal point. Any light emanating from the second focal toward the projection screen is reflected by the projection screen toward the first focal point. The projection system is positioned at the second focal point and the optical detection system is positioned at the first focal point. In this manner, the emission signature projected by the projector system is redirected to the optical detection system.

Abstract: A diode laser beam combining apparatus for producing a high combined beam power density in the far field at reduced levels of power consumption and heat dissipation includes an array of semiconductor laser emitters arranged in a collinear manner with respect to each other and having an emitter pitch between about 0.7 mm and 2.5 mm. The apparatus also includes a cylindrical lens for collimating emitter beams generated by the array of laser emitters in a direction perpendicular to a junction plane of the laser emitters. The apparatus further includes a micro-optic array and a long focal length cylindrical lens. The micro-optic array is configured to perform a rotational transformation of the collimated emitter beams. The micro-optic array has a lateral spacing in a direction parallel to the junction plane of the laser emitters that matches the emitter pitch.

Abstract: A diode laser beam combining apparatus for producing a high combined beam power density in the far field at reduced levels of power consumption and heat dissipation includes an array of semiconductor laser emitters arranged in a collinear manner. The apparatus includes a cylindrical lens for collimating emitter beams generated by the laser emitters in a direction perpendicular to a junction plane of the laser emitters. The apparatus further includes a micro-optic array and a long focal length cylindrical lens. The micro-optic array is configured to perform a rotational transformation of the collimated emitter beams. The micro-optic array has a lateral spacing in a direction parallel to the junction plane of the laser emitters that matches the emitter pitch. The long focal length cylindrical lens collimates emitter beams in the direction perpendicular to the junction plane after passing through the micro-optic array.