Multi-Spectral Airborne Common Calibration Source (MACCS)

This research proposes to determine the hardware and software requirements to produce a common calibration source that can be contained in a pod and flown aboard a military or civilian aircraft. NIST traceable sources will be identified which operate from .25 to 15 micrometers in the electromagnetic spectrum, commonly referred to as UV, visible and infrared. The first part of the effort will define the sensor systems which require calibration and then the availability of suitable calibration sources will be established in terms of the available technology and materials. Operational requirements of the airborne scenario will also be established to drive the emitter design to practical configurations for pod installation and airborne functionality. An over riding requirement will be emitter stability over time, combined with the functionality necessary for specific sensor spectral bands. Innovative techniques to minimize source drift such as photodiode detectors coupled with spectral filters previously developed by the Team will be investigated. The greatest source of infrared source instability is generally the difficulty in controlling surface temperature, addressed with unique window concepts. Emitter systems will be developed to calibrate both radiometric and imaging devices for both flight test instrumentation and weapon systems.