Bodkin Design develops Target Surface Temperature Mapper for the US Army
Bodkin Design & Engineering (BD&E) has been awarded a contract from the US Army to develop a High-Energy Laser (HEL) test capability for non-contact mapping of target surface temperature during HEL engagements. The sensor, based on BD&E’s patented HPA™ hyperspectral imaging technology, is able to simultaneously map the radiometrically-correct target radiance and the target surface temperature. The High-Energy Laser program is a key element in the US arsenal of defensive weaponry to counter the threat of missile attack.
The instrument will be used by the Directed Energy Test and Evaluation (DE T&E) community to assess laser effectiveness against various target materials. This knowledge is essential for improvement of engagement tactics for missile defense.
This device successfully combines BD&E’s multi-spectral and hyperspectral imaging systems with research conducted by its partners Spectral Sciences, Inc. (SSI) and Space Computer Corporation (SCC). The resulting Precision Radiometric Surface Temperature (PRST) sensor is able to produce emissivity and temperature maps in real time, with unprecedented accuracy, exceeding that of standard pyrometry. Its unique capability produces video rate thermal maps (thermograms) of the object under test, even as its surface is melting and the emissivity is dynamically changing. The PRST is able to measure temperature and emissivity simultaneously without detailed knowledge of either prior to the measurement. A prototype PRST sensor was constructed at our Newton facility and tested at the High-Energy Laser Systems Test Facility at White Sands Missile Range.
Acknowledgement/Disclaimer:
This work is funded by the Test Resource Management Center (TRMC) Test and Evaluation/Science & Technology (T&E/S&T) Program through the US Army Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation’s (PEO STRI) contract number W900KK-08-C-0042. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the TRMC T&E/S&T Program, and/or PEO STRI.
About Bodkin Design & Engineering
Bodkin Design and Engineering, LLC has been providing concept development, prototype design/build, and engineering services to commercial, military, OEM, and research communities since 1992. Headquartered in Newton, Massachusetts, BD&E has had contracts with the US Army, Air Force, Navy, Department of Homeland Security, National Aeronautic and Space Agency, and the Missile Defense Agency for several highly competitive innovative optical engineering projects. In addition, BD&E has overseen the successful introduction of products ranging from miniature infrared cameras and blood analyzers to heavy equipment for railroad yards. To learn more, visit the website at www.bodkindesign.com.