Optical Flash Test Capability for Nuclear Infrared Clutter Simulator

Radiation Assured Devices, Inc. proposes an enhancement to the capabilities of the Nuclear Infrared Clutter Simulator (NICS) chamber by the addition of an optical flash simulator capable of producing an optical signal at the sensor under test representative of that produced by either a nuclear detonation or a missile intercept event in the sensor field of view. Phase I of the proposed program will include the design, fabrication and demonstration of a infrared flash source for the NICS chamber. Actual installation of the flashlamp hardware in NICS will be deferred to Phase II of the program. The design task will include an assessment of requirements for the optical flash simulator for multiple sensor programs. These requirements will be translated into physical size, temperature and optical coupling specifications for the flashlamp configuration to be added to the NICS optical bench.