Rise-time enhancement techniques for resistive array infrared scene projectors

Abstract

Santa Barbara Infrared (SBIR) produces high performance resistive emitter arrays for its line of IR Scene Projectors (IRSPs). These arrays operate at frame rates up to 200 hertz. The inherent properties of the pixels can result in transitions between two temperatures that are more than the 5 millisecond frame time. Modifying the pixel drive level on a frame by frame basis can lead to improvements in the measured rise times. This paper describes a new capability developed by SBIR that improves the rise time of the pixels. It discusses the process by which array drive levels are modified to achieve quicker transitions together with test results showing improved rise time. In an example transition cited here, the risetime is reduced by more than a factor of two from 8.3 ms to 3.7 ms.