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- Adaptive optics (4)
- Image processing (3)
- Optical radar (3)
- Artificial satellites--Tracking (2)
- Infrared detectors (2)
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- Laser communication systems (2)
- Multispectral photography (2)
- Optical communications (2)
- Optics (2)
- Pattern recognition systems (2)
- Remote sensing (2)
- Space surveillance (2)
- Target acquisition (2)
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- Adaptive--Mathematical models (1)
- Astronomical data deconvolution (1)
- Atmospheric turbulence (1)
- Atmospheric turbulence.Interferometers (1)
- Ballistic missiles--Simulation methods (1)
- Camera tracking (1)
- Cassegrain antenna (1)
- Chromotomography (1)
- Coherence (1)
- Coherence (Optics) (1)
- Color computer graphics (1)
- Detect-before-track (DBT) (1)
- Detection (1)
- Detonation (1)
- Diffraction (1)
- Direct-Vision Prism (1)
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Articles 1 - 30 of 35
Full-Text Articles in Physics
System-Level Noise Performance Of Coherent Imaging Systems, Derek J. Burrell, Joshua H. Follansbee, Mark F. Spencer, Ronald G. Driggers
System-Level Noise Performance Of Coherent Imaging Systems, Derek J. Burrell, Joshua H. Follansbee, Mark F. Spencer, Ronald G. Driggers
Faculty Publications
We provide an in-depth analysis of noise considerations in coherent imaging, accounting for speckle and scintillation in addition to “conventional” image noise. Specifically, we formulate closed-form expressions for total effective noise in the presence of speckle only, scintillation only, and speckle combined with scintillation. We find analytically that photon shot noise is uncorrelated with both speckle and weak-to-moderate scintillation, despite their shared dependence on the mean signal. Furthermore, unmitigated speckle and scintillation noise tends to dominate coherent-imaging performance due to a squared mean-signal dependence. Strong coupling occurs between speckle and scintillation when both are present, and we characterize this behavior …
Full Pattern Analysis And Comparison Of The Center Fed And Offset Fed Cassegrain Antennas With Large Focal Length To Diameter Ratios For High Power Microwave Transmission, Derek W. Mantzke
Theses and Dissertations
High power microwaves (HPM) have been a topic of research since the Cold War era. This paper will present a comparison between two Cassegrain-type antennas: the axially, or center fed, and the offset fed. Specifically, the 10 GHz operating frequency will be investigated with large focal length to diameter () ratios. Beam patterns which encompass the entire radiation pattern will be included for data validation and optimization. The simulations will follow a design of experiments factorial model to ensure all possible combinations of prescribed parameters are included, including an analysis of variance (ANOVA) study to find parameter influence on the …
Methods For Focal Plane Array Resolution Estimation Using Random Laser Speckle In Non-Paraxial Geometries, Phillip J. Plummer
Methods For Focal Plane Array Resolution Estimation Using Random Laser Speckle In Non-Paraxial Geometries, Phillip J. Plummer
Theses and Dissertations
The infrared (IR) imaging community has a need for direct IR detector evaluation due to the continued demand for small pixel pitch detectors, the emergence of strained-layer-super-lattice devices, and the associated lateral carrier diffusion issues. Conventional laser speckle-based modulation transfer function (MTF) estimation is dependent on Fresnel propagation and a wide-sense-stationary input random process, limiting the use of this approach for lambda (wavelength)-scale IR devices. This dissertation develops two alternative methodologies for speckle-based resolution evaluation of IR focal plane arrays (FPAs). Both techniques are formulated using Rayleigh-Sommerfield electric field propagation, making them valid in the non-paraxial geometries dictated for resolution …
Optical Study Of 2-D Detonation Wave Stability, Eulaine T. Grodner
Optical Study Of 2-D Detonation Wave Stability, Eulaine T. Grodner
Theses and Dissertations
Fundamental optical detonation study of detonations constricted to a 2-d plane propagation, and detonations propagating around a curve. All images were processed using modern image processing techniques. The optical techniques used were shadowgraph, Schlieren, and chemiluminescence. In the 2-Dstraight channels, it was determined wave stability was a factor of cell size. It was also determined the detonation wave thickness (area between the combustion and shockwave) was a factor of how much heat available for the detonation. For the detonations propagating around a curve, it was determined the three main classifications of wave stability were stable, unstable, and detonation wave restart. …
One-Dimensional Multi-Frame Blind Deconvolution Using Astronomical Data For Spatially Separable Objects, Marc R. Brown
One-Dimensional Multi-Frame Blind Deconvolution Using Astronomical Data For Spatially Separable Objects, Marc R. Brown
Theses and Dissertations
Blind deconvolution is used to complete missions to detect adversary assets in space and to defend the nation's assets. A new algorithm was developed to perform blind deconvolution for objects that are spatially separable using multiple frames of data. This new one-dimensional approach uses the expectation-maximization algorithm to blindly deconvolve spatially separable objects. This object separation reduces the size of the object matrix from an NxN matrix to two singular vectors of length N. With limited knowledge of the object and point spread function the one-dimensional algorithm successfully deconvolved the objects in both simulated and laboratory data.
Digital Holography Efficiency Experiments For Tactical Applications, Douglas E. Thornton
Digital Holography Efficiency Experiments For Tactical Applications, Douglas E. Thornton
Theses and Dissertations
Digital holography (DH) uses coherent detection and offers direct access to the complex-optical field to sense and correct image aberrations in low signal-to-noise environments, which is critical for tactical applications. The performance of DH is compared to a similar, well studied deep-turbulence wavefront sensor, the self-referencing interferometer (SRI), with known efficiency losses. Wave optics simulations with deep-turbulence conditions and noise were conducted and the results show that DH outperforms the SRI by 10's of dB due to DH's strong reference. Additionally, efficiency experiments were conducted to investigate DH system losses. The experimental results show that the mixing efficiency (37%) is …
Improving Detection Of Dim Targets: Optimization Of A Moment-Based Detection Algorithm, Shannon R. Young
Improving Detection Of Dim Targets: Optimization Of A Moment-Based Detection Algorithm, Shannon R. Young
Theses and Dissertations
Wide area motion imagery (WAMI) sensor technology is advancing rapidly. Increases in frame rates and detector array sizes have led to a dramatic increase in the volume of data that can be acquired. Without a corresponding increase in analytical manpower, much of these data remain underutilized. This creates a need for fast, automated, and robust methods for detecting dim, moving signals of interest. Current approaches fall into two categories: detect-before-track (DBT) and track-before-detect (TBD) methods. The DBT methods use thresholding to reduce the quantity of data to be processed, making real time implementation practical but at the cost of the …
Plasmonic Grating Geometrics And Wavelength-Dependent Focus Depth In Infrared Detectors, Patrick R. Kennedy
Plasmonic Grating Geometrics And Wavelength-Dependent Focus Depth In Infrared Detectors, Patrick R. Kennedy
Theses and Dissertations
The objective for this research is to determine a relationship between plasmonic grating geometries and the wavelength-dependent focus depth. This research is focused on enhancing the signal collected by infrared detectors by using a metal grating as a planar lens to focus light in the detecting region of the substrate. This can be used to maintain a thinner absorbing region and possibly to create multi-color imaging in a single pixel. Simulations demonstrate that the plasmonic lens is capable of creating a wavelength dependent focus spot.
Synthesis Of Non-Uniformly Correlated Partially Coherent Sources Using A Deformable Mirror, Milo W. Hyde Iv, Santasri Bose-Pillai, Ryan A. Wood
Synthesis Of Non-Uniformly Correlated Partially Coherent Sources Using A Deformable Mirror, Milo W. Hyde Iv, Santasri Bose-Pillai, Ryan A. Wood
Faculty Publications
The near real-time synthesis of a non-uniformly correlated partially coherent source using a low-actuator-count deformable mirror is demonstrated. The statistical optics theory underpinning the synthesis method is reviewed. The experimental results of a non-uniformly correlated source are presented and compared to theoretical predictions. A discussion on how deformable mirror characteristics such as actuator count and pitch affect source generation is also included.
Real-Time Camera Tracking System Using Optical Flow Feature Points, Daniel D. Doyle, Alan L. Jennings, Jonathan T. Black
Real-Time Camera Tracking System Using Optical Flow Feature Points, Daniel D. Doyle, Alan L. Jennings, Jonathan T. Black
AFIT Patents
A new apparatus and method for tracking a moving object with a moving camera provides a real-time, narrow field-of-view, high resolution and on target image by combining commanded motion with an optical flow algorithm for deriving motion and classifying background. Commanded motion means that movement of the pan, tilt and zoom (PTZ) unit is “commanded” by a computer, instead of being observed by the camera, so that the pan, tilt and zoom parameters are known, as opposed to having to be determined, significantly reducing the computational requirements for tracking a moving object. The present invention provides a single camera pan …
Unequal A Priori Probability Multiple Hypothesis Testing In Space Domain Awareness With The Space Surveillance Telescope, Tyler J. Hardy, Stephen C. Cain, Travis F. Blake
Unequal A Priori Probability Multiple Hypothesis Testing In Space Domain Awareness With The Space Surveillance Telescope, Tyler J. Hardy, Stephen C. Cain, Travis F. Blake
Faculty Publications
This paper investigates the ability to improve Space Domain Awareness (SDA) by increasing the number of detectable Resident Space Objects (RSOs) from space surveillance sensors. With matched filter based techniques, the expected impulse response, or Point Spread Function (PSF), is compared against the received data. In the situation where the images are spatially undersampled, the modeled PSF may not match the received data if the RSO does not fall in the center of the pixel. This aliasing can be accounted for with a Multiple Hypothesis Test (MHT). Previously, proposed MHTs have implemented a test with an equal a priori prior …
An Experimental Evaluation Of Image Quality For Various Scenarios In A Chromotomographic System With A Spinning Prism, Kyle J. Dufaud
An Experimental Evaluation Of Image Quality For Various Scenarios In A Chromotomographic System With A Spinning Prism, Kyle J. Dufaud
Theses and Dissertations
A lab and eld based hyperspectral chromotomographic imager has been developed at the Air Force Institute of Technology. It is a prototype used to study the requirements for a space-based system. The imager uses a high speed visible band camera behind a direct-vision prism to image both spatial dimensions and the spectral dimension at the same time. Capturing all 3 simultaneously allows for the hyperspectral imaging of transient events. The prism multiplexes the spectral and spatial information, so tomographic reconstruction algorithms must be used to separate hyperspectral channels. Experiments were conducted to compare reconstructed image quality as a function of …
Implementation Of Branch-Point-Tolerant Wavefront Reconstructor For Strong Turbulence Compensation, Michael J. Steinbock
Implementation Of Branch-Point-Tolerant Wavefront Reconstructor For Strong Turbulence Compensation, Michael J. Steinbock
Theses and Dissertations
Branch points arise in optical transmissions due to strong atmospheric turbulence, long propagation paths, or a combination of both. Unfortunately, these conditions are very often present in desired operational scenarios for laser weapon systems, optical communication, and covert imaging, which suffer greatly when traditional adaptive optics systems either cannot sense branch points or implement non-optimal methods for sensing and correcting branch points. Previous research by Pellizzari presented a thorough analysis of various novel branch point tolerant reconstructors in the absence of noise. In this research a realistic model of the Air Force Institute of Technology's adaptive optics system is developed …
Digital Delay Device, Guna Seetharaman, Paul E. Kladitis
Digital Delay Device, Guna Seetharaman, Paul E. Kladitis
AFIT Patents
A digitally controlled optical delay apparatus providing optical signal delays electrically selectable in the picosecond to nanosecond range by way of selectable signal path lengths. Path lengths are incremented in physical length and path delay time according to digital ratios. The delay element includes micro-miniature path changing mirrors controlled in path length selecting positioning by input signals of logic level magnitude. Fiber optic coupling of signals to and from the delay element and a combination of fixed position and movable mirror included optical signal path lengths are included.
Evaluation Of Performance Of A Maximum Likelihood Estimator For Tracking Purposes In The Presence Of Speckle Noise, Adrian Brett Monz
Evaluation Of Performance Of A Maximum Likelihood Estimator For Tracking Purposes In The Presence Of Speckle Noise, Adrian Brett Monz
Theses and Dissertations
In many cases, optical tracking systems do not have cooperative beacons avail- able. This is particularly true for the case involving tracking a laser illuminated target such as a missile seeker head, where the object of interest is an extended source. Furthermore the extended source is often observed in the presence of noise such as shot and speckle noise as well as atmospheric turbulence which further degrades the signal. This research effort presents the evaluation of an existing algorithm based on the maximum-likelihood technique for tilt estimation in the presence of extended sources and speckle noise, with particular application to …
Fast Scene Based Nonuniformity Correction With Minimal Temporal Latency, Christopher A. Rice
Fast Scene Based Nonuniformity Correction With Minimal Temporal Latency, Christopher A. Rice
Theses and Dissertations
The focus of this research was to derive a new algorithm for correction of gain nonuniformities in LIDAR focal plane arrays using as few frames as possible. Because of the current low production rate of LIDAR focal plane arrays there is a natural tendency for extreme nonuniformities to exist on a pixel by pixel basis as the manufacturing technique has not yet been perfected. Generally, nonuniformity correction techniques require a large number of frames and/or have obscure requirements on the translational shifts in the input image frames. This thesis presents a solution for finding multiplicative nonuniformities that exist in a …
Performance-Metric Driven Atmospheric Compensation For Robust Free-Space Laser Communication, Peter N. Crabtree
Performance-Metric Driven Atmospheric Compensation For Robust Free-Space Laser Communication, Peter N. Crabtree
Theses and Dissertations
The effect of turbulence on laser propagation is a significant challenge to current electro-optical systems. While atmospheric compensation techniques in space object imaging and high-energy laser weapons have been thoroughly investigated, optimizing these techniques for Laser Communication (LaserCom) has not been examined to the same degree. Average Strehl ratio is the typical design metric for current atmospheric compensation systems. However, fade probability is the relevant metric for LaserCom. This difference motivated the investigation into metric-driven atmospheric compensation. Metric-based tracking techniques for fade mitigation is the first major focus of this research. In a moderate range air-to-air scenario, focal plane spot …
Radiometric Analysis Of Daytime Satellite Detection, Katherine B. Lilevjen
Radiometric Analysis Of Daytime Satellite Detection, Katherine B. Lilevjen
Theses and Dissertations
A radiometric model for daylight satellite detection is developed and used to evaluate the effects of various parameters on signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Detection of reflected sunlight from a low-earth orbit, diffuse, planar satellite by a single-pixel infrared photovoltaic detector is considered. Noise considered includes photon noise from the background and signal, as well as thermal noise. Parameters considered include atmospheric conditions, optical parameters, and detector parameters. The Phillips Laboratory Expert-assisted User System, an atmospheric modeling tool that employs the MODTRAN and FASCODE transmission codes, is used to model wavelength-dependent atmospheric transmission and background radiance. The SNR is found to increase …
Passive Ranging Using Atmospheric Oxygen Absorption Spectra, Michael R. Hawks
Passive Ranging Using Atmospheric Oxygen Absorption Spectra, Michael R. Hawks
Theses and Dissertations
The depth of absorption bands in observed spectra of distant, bright sources can be used to estimate range to the source. A novel approach is presented and demonstrated using observations of the oxygen absorption band near 762 nm. Range is estimated by comparing observed values of band-average absorption against curves derived from either historical data or model predictions. Curves are based on fitting a random band model to the data, which reduces average range error by 67% compared to the Beer's Law model used in previous work. A new modification to existing band models for long, inhomogeneous paths is presented …
Deconvolution Analysis Of Laser Pulse Profiles From 3-D Ladar Temporal Returns, Michael D. Walter
Deconvolution Analysis Of Laser Pulse Profiles From 3-D Ladar Temporal Returns, Michael D. Walter
Theses and Dissertations
Three-dimensional laser imaging systems offer important advantages for battlefield applications, such as night-time targeting and tactical reconnaissance. Recently developed technologies used by coherent detection systems that collect temporally resolved images include arrays of Avalanche Photo-Diodes (APD), Geiger mode APDs, and photo-diodes. Frequently, LADAR systems produce waveforms from each detector that characterize the convolution of the transmitted laser pulse with the target surface. The pulse convolution generates uncertainty as to the precise location of a target surface, which can severely impact various weapon systems' targeting capability. This work analyzes two deconvolution techniques: Wiener filtering and an iterative process derived from the …
Using Liquid Crystal Spatial Light Modulators For Closed Loop Tracking And Beam Steering With Phase Holography, Michael J. Perry
Using Liquid Crystal Spatial Light Modulators For Closed Loop Tracking And Beam Steering With Phase Holography, Michael J. Perry
Theses and Dissertations
Optical Phased Array (OPA) technology offers advantages in the reduction of size, weight, and power of optical steering devices. Nematic liquid crystal (LC) spatial light modulators (SLMs) have been studied as a potential candidate for building non-mechanical OPAs. They can steer a laser beam and split the beam into multiple beams. This thesis builds upon the prior research showing each split beam can be individually controlled, including variation in intensity. A closed loop tracking scenario shows the flexibility of the SLM by tracking and stabilizing an incoming beam. Results show that applying a phase grating to the SLM has limitations …
Daytime Detection Of Space Objects, Alistair D. Funge
Daytime Detection Of Space Objects, Alistair D. Funge
Theses and Dissertations
Space Situational Awareness (SSA) requires repeated object updates for orbit accuracy. Detection of unknown objects is critical. A daytime model was developed that evaluated sun flares and assessed thermal emissions from space objects. Iridium satellites generate predictable sun glints. These were used as a model baseline for daytime detections. Flares and space object thermal emissions were examined for daytime detection. A variety of geometric, material and atmospheric characteristics affected this daytime detection capability. In a photon noise limited mode, simulated Iridium flares were detected. The peak Signal-to- Noise Ratios (SNR) were 6.05e18, 9.63e5, and 1.65e7 for the nighttime, daytime and …
Output Control Of Vertical Microcavity Light Emitting Device, James A. Lott
Output Control Of Vertical Microcavity Light Emitting Device, James A. Lott
AFIT Patents
An improved intracavity sensor based output power control for microcavity light emitting devices. An improved phototransistor transducer is both configured and physically disposed so that it passively transmits the spurious optical energy output of the microcavity light emitting device while simultaneously generating a light determined electrical signal of easily used large magnitude that is nearly free of error. The base-collector region of the transistor is disposed with a quantum well absorbing layer and produces a signal responsive to a selected emission wavelength. The configuration of the optical energy communicating transducer is arranged so that it is improved in sensitivity and …
Linear Reconstruction Of Non-Stationary Image Ensembles Incorporating Blur And Noise Models, Stephen D. Ford
Linear Reconstruction Of Non-Stationary Image Ensembles Incorporating Blur And Noise Models, Stephen D. Ford
Theses and Dissertations
Two new linear reconstruction techniques are developed to improve the resolution of images collected by ground-based telescopes imaging through atmospheric turbulence. The classical approach involves the application of constrained least squares (CLS) to the deconvolution from wavefront sensing (DWFS) technique. The new algorithm incorporates blur and noise models to select the appropriate regularization constant automatically. In all cases examined, the Newton-Raphson minimization converged to a solution in less than 10 iterations. The non-iterative Bayesian approach involves the development of a new vector Wiener filter which is optimal with respect to mean square error (MSE) for a non-stationary object class degraded …
Performance Of Imaging Laser Radar In Rain And Fog, Kathleen M. Campbell
Performance Of Imaging Laser Radar In Rain And Fog, Kathleen M. Campbell
Theses and Dissertations
The Air Force is currently developing imaging laser radar systems (ladar) for use on precision guided munitions and other imaging systems. Scientists at Eglin Air Force Base, in conjunction with Wright Laboratories, are testing a 1.06-um wavelength ladar system and need to understand the weather effects on the ladar images. As the laser beam propagates through the atmosphere, fog droplets and raindrops can cause image degradation, and these image degradations are manifested as either dropouts or false returns. An analysis of the dropouts and false returns helped to quantify the performance of the system in adverse weather conditions. Statistical analysis …
Optimization Considerations For Adaptive Optics Digital Imagery Systems, Robert T. Brigantic
Optimization Considerations For Adaptive Optics Digital Imagery Systems, Robert T. Brigantic
Theses and Dissertations
This dissertation had three objectives. The first objective was to develop image quality metrics that characterize Adaptive Optics System (AOS) performance. The second objective was to delineate control settings that maximize AOS performance. The third objective was to identify and characterize trade-offs between fully and partially compensated adaptive. For the first objective, three candidate image quality metrics were considered: the Strehl ratio, a novel metric that modifies the Strehl ratio by integrating the modulus of the average system optical transfer function to a 'noise-effective-cutoff' frequency at which some specified image spectrum signal-to-noise-ratio level is attained, and the noise-effective-cutoff frequency. It …
Non-Imaging Infrared Spectral Target Detection, Matthew R. Whiteley
Non-Imaging Infrared Spectral Target Detection, Matthew R. Whiteley
Theses and Dissertations
Automatic detection of time-critical mobile targets using spectral-only infrared radiance data is explored. A quantification of the probability of detection, false alarm rate, and total error rate associated with this detection process is provided. A set of classification features is developed for the spectral data, and these features are utilized in a Bayesian classifier singly and in combination to provide target detection. The results of this processing are presented and sensitivity of the class separability to target set, target configuration, diurnal variations, mean contrast, and ambient temperature estimation errors is explored. This work introduces the concept of atmospheric normalization of …
Multispectral Detection Of Ground Targets In Highly Correlated Backgrounds, Jason E. Thomas
Multispectral Detection Of Ground Targets In Highly Correlated Backgrounds, Jason E. Thomas
Theses and Dissertations
Multispectral detection methods attempt to discriminate targets in a dominant clutter background using multiple images of the same real-world scene taken in different narrow spectral bands in the infrared. Detection is possible due to the empirically observed phenomenon that the radiance of man-made objects, such as a tank or truck, often lies off the main spectral correlation axis of that of natural backgrounds. Radiometric measurements of several vehicles and a tree canopy background taken over three days in June. 1994 were used to examine the factors affecting multispectral detection. Results clearly showed that the processes which provide for higher spectral …
Spatio-Temporal Pattern Recognition Using Hidden Markov Models, Kenneth H. Fielding
Spatio-Temporal Pattern Recognition Using Hidden Markov Models, Kenneth H. Fielding
Theses and Dissertations
A new spatio-temporal method for identifying 3D objects found in 2D image sequences is presented. The Hidden Markov Model technique is used as a spatio-temporal classification algorithm to identify 3D objects by the temporal changes in observed shape features. A new information theoretic argument is developed that proves identifying objects based on image sequences can lead to higher classification accuracies than single look methods. A new distance measure is proposed that analyzes the performance of Hidden Markov Models in a multi-class pattern recognition problem. A three class problem identifying moving light display objects provides experimental verification of the sequence processing …
A Diffraction-Based Model Of Anisoplanatism Effects In Adaptive Optic Systems, Steven E. Troxel
A Diffraction-Based Model Of Anisoplanatism Effects In Adaptive Optic Systems, Steven E. Troxel
Theses and Dissertations
This dissertation presents a new model for computing the angle dependent performance measures of an adaptive-optics system. By incorporating diffraction caused by the index-of-refraction variations of the atmosphere, the phase and amplitude fluctuations of the propagating wave are computed. New theory is presented, that uses the diffraction-based propagation model to yield optical transfer function (OTF) expressions that are more accurate as compared to current theory that neglects diffraction. An evaluation method for calculating the OTF is presented that utilizes a layered atmospheric model and normalized OTF expressions. The diffraction model is also used to present the first OTF signal-to-noise ratio …