Dynamic Infrared Projections: Time/Posture Thermal Representation and SAF Integration

To realize the current emissive design prototype, JRM developed a laser-safe, optical-bench test-bed framework consisting of a high-power laser, optical-relay elements, an advanced laser-scanning system with beam-dump driven by JRM-developed control software, re-useable screen rigs, and a viewing LWIR thermal imager. This configuration modulates the temporal beam power and scan-rate across the low-cost Kapton-tape screen to very quickly heat it to achieve the desired thermal image emission. This sequential Phase II effort affords the opportunity to not only mature the emissive-screen design into an optimized, working field-prototype for testing, but also to leverage the test-bed to explore a more optimal fluorescent design, and possibly the reflective design as a “fall-back” design. The fluorescent design has significant advantages for non-destructive testing and training applications over the higher-cost and limited FOV reflective design, and faster response times than the current emissive design.