TSC has developed an IR/UV Source Stimulator (IRUSS) system for the Benefield Anechoic Facility (BAF) at Edwards Air Force Base. The IRUSS system features computer-controlled IR and UV point-source stimulators that are configured and operated from a PC-based controller with a LabVIEW graphical user interface (GUI). The sources, which are capable of simulating threat and non-threat IR/UV signatures in the temporal, spatial, and temporal domains, are being used to test integrated IR/UV sensor suites, e.g., missile warning, on United States and allied foreign government aircraft. The IRUSS system has successfully stimulated the AAR-47 and AAR-54 ultraviolet missile warning systems.

Infrared (left) and Ultraviolet (right) Stimulators

TSC’s infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) stimulators weigh 35 lbs and share the same maximum housing dimensions of 15 ¾ x 12 ¾ x 8 inches (W x D x H). The IR stimulator is shown with an IR two-color attachment unit which allows the IR spectral energy to be controlled in two IR bands; this capability is important for simulating two-color signatures to IR sensors.

The IR stimulator source is a cylindrical ceramic core heated by platinum resistance wire, and operates at a nominal temperature of 1450 deg K. The source radiant intensity is 5.9 W/sr in the 2.5 – 5 µm band and 3.8 W/sr in the 8 – 14 µm band. Spectral content extends from 1 – 25 µm. The IR stimulator maximum output radiant intensity is 1.8 W/sr in the 2.5 – 5 µm band and 0.8 W/sr in the 8 – 14 µm band.

The UV stimulator uses a low pressure deuterium arc lamp (ozone free) with a 0.5 mm arc diameter. The lamp provides a spectral radiant intensity of 1.0 x 10-4 W/sr-nm at 250 nm and has a spectral content from 180 – 400 nm. The UV stimulator maximum output spectral radiant intensity is 1.3 x 10-4 W/sr-nm at 265 nm.

Source modulation for the IR and UV stimulators is accomplished with a computer controlled variable attenuator system. The modulation dynamic range is > 3 OD (optical densities) for the IR stimulator and > 4 OD for the UV stimulator, and the modulation rate is > 3 OD/sec for the IR stimulator and > 4 OD/sec for the UV stimulator. The modulation step size is < 1 x 10-3 OD. The stimulators also feature a computer controlled electronic shutter system with a 1 ms transition time. The shutter can be opened and closed at repetition rates of up to 200 Hz.

The IR and UV stimulator output beams are collimated with a collimating lens external to the stimulator housing, as shown for the UV stimulator. The output beam diameter is set with an aperture stop placed after the collimating lens.

For more information please download Infrared/Ultraviolet Simulators and Related Systems Fact Sheet (PDF)