Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a spectrally variable radiation source and systems including same is disclosed. An embodiment of a spectrally variable radiation source is disclosed including a broadband radiation source, a collimating element, a dispersive element, an imaging element, an output aperture and an optional output collimating element. An embodiment of a spectrally encoded infrared chromatograph incorporating the inventive spatially variable radiation source is disclosed. An arbitrary spectrum projector for simulating emission or absorption spectra for chemical and biological agents, as well as projecting calibration and test spectra for characterizing sensors is also disclosed.

Abstract: An infrared scene display for testing infrared detectors and arrays comprising a two dimensional array of contiguous areas each of which contains an infrared radiating element. A plurality of microlens formed on a substrate are coupled to the array of infrared radiating elements. Each infrared radiating element is sufficiently spread from its associated microlens to provide good thermal insulation but is close enough to operate in an immersion mode. In this configuration, the infrared radiating elements behave optically as though they are in contact with the microlens substrate though they remain thermally isolated.

Abstract: An array of individual infrared detectors is comprised of optimally small individual detectors, whose reduced size is enabled by immersion optics which reduce the wavelength of the radiation incident on the detectors, and by the use of individual field lenses- Fresnel lenses, for each detector.

Abstract: An optical clutter scene stimulator generates a scene simulating atmospheric optical clutter produced by a nuclear event. The stimulator focuses a display source scene on a focal plane, then displaces the scene from the focal plane so as to provide a scene representing optical clutter. Alternately, the optical clutter scene can be generated by performing an optical Fourier transform.