Features of images of water, ice, snow, objects and a human formed by a hybrid television camera in the near-infrared range

Abstract

Recently, television cameras operating in the near-infrared range have become increasingly widespread. The advantage of shooting in the short wave infrared range is the ability to observe objects in low light and difficult weather conditions. Such cameras can use hybrid sensors that consist of an infrared photocathode and an electron-sensitive matrix based on silicon in a single vacuum volume. The paper investigates the capabilities of one of the latest samples of a similar camera, created at JSC “NRI Electron”. The images of a human, water, ice, snow and other objects in the wavelength range of 0.95–1.7 microns have been analyzed. The images were taken using a television camera based on a hybrid television infrared sensor, which consists of a photocathode and a silicon charge-coupled device in proximity range to each other in a single vacuum volume. Illumination of the objects in the near-infrared range was produced by a continuous spectrum lamp with a maximum of the detected radiation at a wavelength of 1.55 μm. The authors compared the images obtained in the near-infrared range with the ones obtained in the visible region. An explanation is given for the differences between snow images and water and ice images in the near-infrared range. As an example, the difference in light transmission between the surfaces of materials for diving equipment, such as coated and open cell neoprene, is demonstrated. Due to a significant contrast shown in the near-infrared range by images of various objects on the surface of water and ice, it is possible to create an effective system for searching objects on the water. The paper discusses the advantages of the proposed visual search system compared to other systems, including passive systems and the ones operating in the MWIR and LWIR. The research outlined the prospects of using the new camera for building an effective search system for objects and people on water surfaces