Miniature Infrared Radiation Detection Camera

ABSTRACT: To address the Air Force need for a miniature infrared (IR) camera that can provide image-based quantitative measurements from engine combustors at high-temperature (HT) and high-pressure (HP), Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to advance development of a new Miniature Infrared Radiation Detection Camera (MINC). The MINC system is based on simultaneous multispectral filtering combined with an HT/HP survivable IR probe. During Phase I, we successfully completed the development of a prototype and demonstrated feasibility by imaging a laboratory flame at AFRL to obtain 4 simultaneous multispectral video images with microsecond shutter time. Infrared imaging through an IR fiber bundle (demonstrated to be survivable over 800°F with air cooling) was also accomplished. Based on these results, we formulated a clear path to the Phase II design for in-situ measurements using a HT-survivable lipstick-sized probe coupled to an adjustable periscope that will be developed in collaboration with AFRL and attached to a remote camera. Innovations in optical design and multi-spectral image registration enable the MINC system to provide quantitative radiation measurements and high temperature gas flow patterns inside the combustor. This data is essential for designing the next generation of engines and facilitates troubleshooting, saving time and money. BENEFIT: The MINC system"s unique capacity to obtain infrared radiation data from high temperature environments at multiple wavelengths will make possible a new class of sensor technologies for engine combustor, power plant, and environmental sensing. Conventional approaches to infrared sensing have either been based on laboratory IR cameras or spectrometers, neither of which can obtain the thermal imaging data achieved by MINC. MINC"s approach of transferring radiation data from regions of harsh environment to a remote imaging sensor opens up new applications and markets including industrial furnace control, coal power plant reactors combustion control, and engine diagnostics and test. MINC"s capability to measure physical quantities of high temperature gas flows makes it suitable for numerous commercial applications. These include commercial aircraft jet engine testing, power plant turbine measurements, auto engine design and quality control, forest fire gas and flame sensing, gas pollutants remote sensing, incinerator gas emission testing, and rocket engine design and test.