High Dynamic Range Infrared Scene Projector for Boost Phase Intercept

The existing generation of high performance dynamic IR scene projectors is incapable of simulating high temperature sources such as hot engine exhausts, rocket plumes or infrared countermeasures. The materials used in fabricating the current generation ofdevices are not stable at the high temperatures required (~2500 K or higher) - the pixel will melt well before reaching these temperatures. Resistive heating technology is the most mature of the myriad IR scene projection technologies available today, andhence the most appropriate springboard for the development of high dynamic range IR scene projectors. Attaining the temperatures required will involve numerous development tasks, the most challenging of which is selecting the materials of which theemitter pixels are fabricated. These new materials must 1) be stable (i.e. repeatable) over the temperature range 300 K - 3000 K, 2) possess thermo-physical properties suitable to the apparent temperature and speed specifications and 3) be compatible withthin-film processing requirements. This proposal will, via research, identify candidate materials for fabricating the next generation of high temperature emitters. Methods for measuring the relevant thermo-physical properties of these materials will beresearched, and a list of vendors capable of depositing, patterning and etching these materials will be generated. The primary result of the proposed work will be a list of materials that are suitable for the fabrication of emitter pixels capable ofattaining MWIR apparent temperatures in excess of 2000 K, thereby substantially reducing the risk associated with development of the next device generation. The high temperature materials developed under this effort will provide substantial benefits tothe existing generation of low temperature devices as well in the form of improved stability, thus the potential market includes the entire IR scene projection community. The entire hardware in the loop test community will benefit directly from thedevelopment work proposed here, as will programs that rely on using infrared sensors to detect high contrast targets. Commercial products designed for fire fighting or search and rescue could use this product for developmental testing or training as well.