Abstract: A reflected laser pulse (23) is received by a detector (34) which is a single component of a detector array (30). The reflected laser pulse is then amplified by an amplifier (36) and sent through a matched filter (38) to optimize the signal-to-noise ratio. A data sampler (40) takes samples of the reflected laser pulse (23) and stores the data samples within a temporary data storage (42). A comparator (44) compares each data sample in the temporary data storage (42) to a predetermined threshold constant to determine if the threshold constant has been exceeded. When the threshold constant is exceeded, the data from the temporary data storage (42) is sent to a buffer (48) where it is held while an analog-to-digital converter (50) digitizes the samples for use by a computer (26) in identifying an object and determining the location of the detected object. The identity and location of the detected object are displayed on a display device (32).

Abstract: Improved methods of calculating offset correction values for detector elements of an infrared detector array. The methods can be used for one-dimensional scanning arrays, and performed twice for two-dimensional staring arrays. (FIGS. 3 and 6). The array is dithered so that two or more neighboring detector elements of the array look at the same location of a scene. (FIG. 3, Step 302). Then, two fields of pixel data are processed to calculate an offset correction value for each detector element. (FIG. 3, Steps 305, 309, and 311). For each detector element, its offset error is calculated from local averages, with the local average for a particular detector element including a term for that detector element as well as terms for a neighboring detector element. A “one-step” method uses the sum of “shifted image differences” from two fields. A “scene term” may be added to each offset correction value to compensate for dither bias.

Abstract: A visible light and near infrared imaging device is disclosed. The imaging device comprises X-Y addressing means, an array of opto-electronic semiconductor elements or cells, a multiplexer, a precharge switch, and an amplifier. The X-Y addressing means selectively addresses each cell of the array of opto-electronic semiconductor cells and corresponding multiplexer switch for connecting a reference voltage to each cell to charge each element to the reference voltage, then to isolate each element and vary its voltage in proportion to the intensity of the impinging light, and finally to read out selectively the voltage of each element to the amplifier for amplifying the electrical signals representative of the light intensity to a working level for processing into video signals.

Abstract: An improved ferroelectric imaging system comprises a chopper, lens system, ferroelectric detector matrix, anistropic heat sink, switching matrix, temperature controlled heat sink, drive and read out electronics, video processor, and display. The chopper interrupts infrared energy emanating from a scene, and the lens system focuses the chopped infrared energy on the ferroelectric detector matrix which produces electrical signals representative of the infrared energy impinging thereon. The signals are read out by the drive and read out electronics whose action is synchronized with the chopper action, processed in the video processor and displayed by the display. The ferroelectric detector matrix is a plurality of detector capacitor elements whose lower plates are metal pads formed on the lower surface of the dielectric which is a wafer of ferroelectric material.

Abstract: An improved ferroelectric imaging system comprises a chopper, lens system, ferroelectric detector matrix, switching matrix, drive and readout electronics, video processor and display. The chopper interrupts infrared energy emanating from a scene, and the lens system focuses the chopped infrared energy on the ferroelectric detector matrix which produces electrical signals representative of the impinging infrared energy. The signals are read out by the drive and read out electronics whose action is synchronized with the chopper action, processed in the video processor and displayed by the display. The ferroelectric matrix comprises a plurality of detector capacitor elements fabricated by forming a metal surface on the upper surface of a dielectric of ferroelectric material and a plurality of metal pads arranged in rows and columns on its lower surface. Said metal plate forming the upper plates for the capacitors and the metal pads forming the lower plates. The upper plate is connected to busbars for biasing.