Infrared Collimators for Performance Testing of Thermal Cameras

Optical Surfaces Ltd. is a leading supplier of off-axis parabolic and flat mirrors, the key optical elements in Infrared (IR) collimators commonly used for evaluating the performance of thermal imaging systems.

An example of an Infrared Collimator. Image Credit: Optical Surfaces Ltd.

The function of an IR collimator is to generate a thermal image closely resembling the thermal scene at a test plate. Performance tests often performed on Thermal Imaging systems include measurement of the Minimum Resolvable Temperature Difference (MRTD) and the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF). The importance of MRTD testing lies in the fact that it relates to a thermal imaging system’s effectiveness for discerning details in a scene. MRTD values provide estimates of resolution capability allowing comparison of one thermal imaging system with another. The MTF is a tool for optical designers to quantify the overall imaging performance of a system in terms of resolution and contrast. Knowledge of the MTF curves of the lenses and camera sensors involved in a thermal imager may be used for quantification and optimization of the system performance.

Parabolic mirrors are the most common type of aspheric used in optical instruments. They are free from spherical aberrations, and therefore can focus a parallel beam to a point or a point source to infinity. Off-axis parabolic mirrors provide an unobstructed aperture allowing complete access to the focal region as well as reducing the size and minimising the weight of a design. They are especially suitable for infrared waveband applications due to their completely achromatic performance. Using proprietary polishing techniques, the team of experienced engineers and craftsmen at Optical Surfaces Ltd. can routinely produce a surface accuracy of better than lambda/20 p.v. and surface roughness of less than 1 nm on off-axis parabolic mirrors produced for IR Collimators.

Working with high-stability materials such as Fused Quartz and Zerodur, in a unique thermally stable manufacturing environment, Optical Surfaces Ltd can routinely achieve a surface accuracy of better than lambda/10 p.v. and surface roughness of less than 1 nm on flat mirrors. Over the years - Optical Surfaces has developed expertise to mitigate the uncertainties associated with coating to ensure flatness of mirrors, and hence is able to improve the performance of flat mirrors used in IR Collimators.

Citations

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    Optical Surfaces Ltd.. (2022, June 27). Infrared Collimators for Performance Testing of Thermal Cameras. AZoOptics. Retrieved on October 10, 2024 from https://www.azooptics.com/News.aspx?newsID=27438.

  • MLA

    Optical Surfaces Ltd.. "Infrared Collimators for Performance Testing of Thermal Cameras". AZoOptics. 10 October 2024. <https://www.azooptics.com/News.aspx?newsID=27438>.

  • Chicago

    Optical Surfaces Ltd.. "Infrared Collimators for Performance Testing of Thermal Cameras". AZoOptics. https://www.azooptics.com/News.aspx?newsID=27438. (accessed October 10, 2024).

  • Harvard

    Optical Surfaces Ltd.. 2022. Infrared Collimators for Performance Testing of Thermal Cameras. AZoOptics, viewed 10 October 2024, https://www.azooptics.com/News.aspx?newsID=27438.

Tell Us What You Think

Do you have a review, update or anything you would like to add to this news story?

Leave your feedback
Your comment type
Submit

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.