A fast-saliency method for real-time infrared small target detection

Infrared small target detection plays an important role in applications including military reconnaissance, early warning and terminal guidance. In this paper, we present a fast method, called fast-saliency, with very low computational complexity, for real-time small target detection in single image frame under various complex backgrounds. Different from traditional algorithms, the proposed method is inspired by a recent research on visual saliency detection indicating that small salient signals could be well detected by a gradient enhancement operation combined with Gaussian smoothing, which is able to delineate regions of small targets in infrared images. Concisely, there are only four simple steps contained in fast-saliency. In order, they are gradient operation, square computation, Gaussian smoothing and automatic thresholding, representing the four procedures as highpass filtering, target enhancement, noise suppression and target segmentation, respectively. Especially, for the most crucial step, gradient operation, we innovatively propose a 5 × 5 facet kernel operator that holds the key for separating the small targets from backgrounds. To verify the effectiveness of our proposed method, a set of real infrared images covering typical backgrounds with sea, sky and ground clutters are tested in experiments. The results demonstrate that it outperforms the state-of-the-art methods not only in detection accuracy, but also in computation efficiency.     

Dim small targets detection based on self-adaptive caliber temporal-spatial filtering

To boost the detect ability of dim small targets, this paper began by using improved anisotropy for background prediction (IABP), followed by target enhancement by improved high-order cumulates (HQS). Finally, on the basis of image pre-processing, to address the problem of missed and wrong detection caused by fixed caliber of traditional pipeline filtering, this paper used targets’ multi-frame movement correlation in the time-space domain, combined with the scale-space theory, to propose a temporal-spatial filtering algorithm which allows the caliber to make self-adaptive changes according to the changes of the targets’ scale, effectively solving the detection-related issues brought by unchanged caliber and decreased/increased size of the targets. Experiments showed that the improved anisotropic background predication could be loyal to the true background of the original image to the maximum extent, presenting a superior overall performance to other background prediction methods; the improved HQS significantly increased the signal-noise ratio of images; when the signal-noise ratio was lower than 2.6 dB, this detection algorithm could effectively eliminate noise and detect targets. For the algorithm, the lowest signal-to-noise ratio of the detectable target is 0.37.     

Thermographic diagnosis system and imaging algorithm by distributed thermal data using single infrared sensor

An infrared diagnosis device provides two-dimensional images and patient-oriented results that can be easily understood by the inspection target by using infrared cameras. However, this device has disadvantages such as large size, high price, and inconvenient maintenance. In this regard, this study has proposed a small diagnosis device for body heat using a single infrared sensor and implementing an infrared detection system using a single infrared sensor and an algorithm that represents thermography using the obtained data on the temperature of the point source. The developed system had a temperature resolution of 0.1 °C and reproducibility of ±0.1 °C. The accuracy was 90.39% at the error bound of ±0 °C and 99.98% at that of ±0.1 °C. To evaluate the proposed algorithm and system, the infrared images of the camera method were compared. To verify the device’s clinical applicability, thermal images with clinical meaning were obtained from a patient who had lesions.     

Infrared dim small target enhancement using toggle contrast operator

A new infrared dim small target enhancement algorithm based on toggle contrast operator is proposed. Toggle contrast operator is modified and used to construct operators using the image features derived from dilation and erosion operators. Then, based on the constructed operators, the operators which could be used to estimate the clutter background of the original infrared dim small target image are proposed using the same strategy as the definition of opening. Finally, the infrared dim small target is well enhanced through subtracting the estimated background from the original image. Experimental results on infrared images with different types of targets verified that the proposed method could effectively enhance infrared dim small target, which would be very useful for infrared dim small target detection and tracking.     

Characterization of luminescent chromophore obtained from silica spheres

Blue light emitting chromophores have been separated from silica spheres by soaking them into acetone for 120 days. The luminescent chromophores were not obtained from other solvents, including ether, methanol, ethanol, 2-propanol, chloroform and tetrahydrofuran. According to the Fourier transform infrared spectrum, the luminescent material is composed of C–OH, –CH₂, –CH₃, C=O, and Si–O–Si. UV–visible absorption peak of the chromophore is at 5.17 eV (240 nm). Field emission scanning electron microscope images show small cracks on the surface of aged spheres. The luminescence peak was at 2.81 eV (441 nm) for excitation energy between 3.88 and 3.35 eV and slightly shifted toward lower energy for excitation energy lower than 3.35 eV. The deconvoluted luminescent spectrum shows two emission bands at 3.08 and 2.74 eV, which are well-matched the oxygen deficient center model. Compared to the absorption peak (5.17 eV) and the emission peak (2.81 eV), large Stokes shift (2.36 eV) is observed.     

Novel atmospheric extinction measurement techniques for aerospace laser system applications

Novel techniques for laser beam atmospheric extinction measurements, suitable for manned and unmanned aerospace vehicle applications, are presented in this paper. Extinction measurements are essential to support the engineering development and the operational employment of a variety of aerospace electro-optical sensor systems, allowing calculation of the range performance attainable with such systems in current and likely future applications. Such applications include ranging, weaponry, Earth remote sensing and possible planetary exploration missions performed by satellites and unmanned flight vehicles. Unlike traditional LIDAR methods, the proposed techniques are based on measurements of the laser energy (intensity and spatial distribution) incident on target surfaces of known geometric and reflective characteristics, by means of infrared detectors and/or infrared cameras calibrated for radiance. Various laser sources can be employed with wavelengths from the visible to the far infrared portions of the spectrum, allowing for data correlation and extended sensitivity. Errors affecting measurements performed using the proposed methods are discussed in the paper and algorithms are proposed that allow a direct determination of the atmospheric transmittance and spatial characteristics of the laser spot. These algorithms take into account a variety of linear and non-linear propagation effects. Finally, results are presented relative to some experimental activities performed to validate the proposed techniques. Particularly, data are presented relative to both ground and flight trials performed with laser systems operating in the near infrared (NIR) at λ = 1064 nm and λ = 1550 nm. This includes ground tests performed with 10 Hz and 20 kHz PRF NIR laser systems in a large variety of atmospheric conditions, and flight trials performed with a 10 Hz airborne NIR laser system installed on a TORNADO aircraft, flying up to altitudes of 22,000 ft.     

Spin coating-pyrolysis derived highly c-axis-oriented ZnO layers pre-fired at various temperatures

Transparent ZnO layers were prepared on silica glass substrates by the spin coating-pyrolysis process. As-deposited films were pre-fired at 250 °C for 60 min, at 350 °C for 30 min, and at 500 °C for 10 min, followed by heat treatment at 900 °C for 30 min in air. The ZnO films were analyzed by high resolution X-ray diffraction, field emission-scanning electron microscopy, scanning probe microscopy, and ultraviolet–visible–near infrared spectrophotometry. (0 0 2)-oriented ZnO films were obtained by pre-firing at 350 °C and at 500 °C. All the ZnO films exhibited a high transmittance, above 80%, in the visible region, and showed a sharp fundamental absorption edge at 0.38–0.40 μm. The most highly c-axis-oriented ZnO with a homogeneous surface was observed at a pyrolysis temperature of 350 °C.     

Low-threshold all-fiber 1000 nm supercontinuum source based on highly non-linear fiber

We present an highly efficient all-fiber compact supercontinuum source that exhibits a nearly flat spectrum from 1.1 μm to 2.1 μm. This broadband infrared optical source is made-up of a highly non-linear fiber pumped by a 1.55 μm self-Q-switched Er-Brillouin nanosecond pulsed fiber laser, which in turn is pumped by a low-power 1480 nm laser diode. In this work we highlight the great potential of highly non-linear fiber for supercontinuum generation with respect to conventional dispersion-shifted fiber by demonstrating a significant 10 dB power enhancement in the short wavelength side of the supercontinuum.     

Thermal imaging during infrared final cooking of semi-processed cylindrical meat product

The temperature measurements during the infrared cooking of the semi-cooked cylindrical minced beef product (koefte) were taken by both contact (thermocouples) and non-contact (thermal imaging) techniques. The meat product was semi-cooked till its core temperature reached up to 75 °C by ohmic heating applied at 15.26 V/cm voltage gradient. Then, infrared cooking was applied as a final cooking method at different combinations of heat fluxes (3.7, 5.7 and 8.5 kW/m²), applied distances (10.5, 13.5 and 16.5 cm) and applied durations (4, 8 and 12 min). The average surface temperature increased as the heat flux and the applied duration increased but the applied distance decreased. The temperature distribution of the surface during infrared cooking was determined successfully by non-contact measurements. The temperature homogeneity varied between 0.77 and 0.86. The process condition of 8.5 kW/m² for 8 min resulted in core temperature greater than 75 °C, which was essential for safe production of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat products. Thermal imaging was much more convenient method for minimizing the point measurement mistakes and determining temperature distribution images more clear and visual.     

Development of scattering near-field optical microspectroscopy apparatus using an infrared synchrotron radiation source

We report the status of a scattering near-field microspectroscopy apparatus developed at SPring-8 using an infrared synchrotron radiation (IR-SR) source. It consists of a scattering type scanning near-field optical microscope and a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. The IR-SR is used as a highly brilliant and broad-band IR source. This apparatus has potential for application in near-field spectroscopy with high spatial resolution beyond the diffraction limit. In order to eliminate background scatterings from the probe shaft and/or sample surface, we used higher harmonic demodulation method. The near-field spectra were observed by 2nd harmonic components using the lock-in detection. The spatial resolution of about 300 nm was achieved at around 1000 cm^? 1 (10 μm wavelength).     

New probing techniques of radiative shocks

Radiative shock waves propagating in xenon at a low pressure have been produced using 60 joules of iodine laser (λ = 1.315 μm) at PALS center. The shocks have been probed by XUV imaging using a Zn X-raylaser (λ = 21 nm) generated with a 20-ns delay after the shock creating pulse. Auxiliary high-speed silicon diodes allowed performing space- and time-resolved measurement of plasma self-emission in the visible and XUV. The results show the generation of a shock wave propagating at 60 km/s preceded by a radiative precursor. This demonstrates the feasibility of radiative shock generation using high power infrared lasers and the use of XRL backlighting as a suitable diagnostic for shock imaging.     

Positron backscattering from solid targets: Modeling of scattering processes via various approaches

Monte Carlo simulation of 1–4 keV positron backscattering from semi-infinite solid targets ranging from Be (z = 4) to Au (z = 79) with normal angle of incidence is here reported. In our study, the elastic and inelastic scattering cross sections are modeled by using various approaches based on either a classical or a quantum mechanical treatment. Calculations of positron backscattering coefficient are then reported for the solid targets of interest. The results obtained show a fairly good agreement with the data available in the literature. The dependence of the positron backscattering coefficient versus the atomic number of the solid target of interest has been investigated. In this respect, polynomial functions are proposed which does not require any recourse to Monte Carlo calculations.     

Characterization of monoenergetic neutron reference fields with a high resolution diamond detector

A novel radiation detector based on an artificial single crystal diamond was used to characterize in detail the energy distribution of neutron reference fields at the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) and their contamination with charged particles. The monoenergetic reference fields at PTB in the neutron energy range from 1.5 MeV up to 19 MeV are generated by proton and deuteron beams impinging on solid and gas targets of tritium and deuterium. The energy of the incoming particles and the variation of the angle under which the measurement is performed produce monoenergetic reference fields with different mean energies and line shapes. Well established simulation codes allow these parameters to be calculated in detail, provided the properties of the targets are known.In this paper we present high resolution neutron spectrometry measurements of different monoenergetic reference fields. The results are compared with calculated spectra taking into account the actual target parameters. The influence of deviations from the ideal case, e.g. a non homogeneous tritium distribution in a solid Ti/T-target, was investigated. Line structures in the order of 80 keV for a neutron energy of 9 MeV were resolved. The shift of the mean energy and the increasing of the width of the neutron peak with increasing pressure in the gas target in the order of 30 keV were measured.Another result is the determination of the contamination of the neutron field at 14 MeV with high energy charged particles (protons) from side reactions inside the T-target. This effect is due to the thin backing of the targets in use at PTB. It depends on the age of the target and it has to be taken into consideration for irradiations at small distances for some detectors, especially when very old targets are used.The experiments have shown that this detector is an easy to operate compact neutron spectrometer with extremely good energy resolution and that detailed structures in the line shapes of monoenergetic neutron fields can be resolved without using time-of-flight techniques.     

Design of dual-band shared-aperture Co-zoom optical system

An optical system that features visible plus mid-infrared light, shared aperture, synchronous and continuous zoom is designed with a 10× zoom ratio. Analysis is performed to differentiate visible plus mid-infrared light focal length and zoom ratio during zooming, and the change law of this difference. Upon combination with two-group and three-group zoom theories and upon derivation of the conditions for compensating zoom ratio difference, a method has been obtained to directly compensate this difference. The focal length and the zoom ratio for visible/mid-infrared light at any zoom location are similar with this method, thereby conducting synchronous observation, tracking, and measurement on the target. Design results have shown that the system is small, has a fast response, has an excellent in overall image quality, and is athermal for temperatures between −40 °C and 60 °C.     

Effect of sodium chloride and food target properties on nonelectrostatic and electrostatic coating

Salts were coated on a variety of thick food targets. The best transfer efficiency, adhesion (>70%), and percent side coverage (100%) were obtained when small (<200 μm) and cohesive (Hausner ratio > 1.20) salt was used with electrostatic coating on targets with high a_w (>0.7), low resistivity (<9 × 10⁸ Ωm), and short charge decay time (<3.8 s). Shape of salt also affected the coating performance; porous cube provided significantly better transfer efficiency and adhesion than flake salt on some targets. There was no significant effect of KCl content on coating performance.     

Broad-band polarization-independent metamaterial absorber for solar energy harvesting applications

A novel broad-band polarization-independent with wide-angle metamaterial absorber(MA) is investigated and demonstrated for solar energy harvesting applications. The proposed MA is composed of two metal layers which have different thickness and a dielectric layer which is sandwiched between these metal layers. By this combination, the proposed MA indicates plasmonic resonance characteristic. Numeric results show that proposed MA has perfect absorption characteristic which is above 88.28% with wide-angle for all visible region. It shows almost perfect absorption of 98.4% at the resonance frequency of 621.76 THz and has also 90% absorption between frequencies of 445 THz and 770 THz which is nearly all visible light region. Besides, numerical results validate that the proposed MA could achieve very high absorption at wide-angles of incidence for both transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) waves.. The proposed MA and its variations enable for solar cell applications due to have upper ratio of 90% in the widest range of visible spectrum comparing to the studies in literature. In order to show additional features of the proposed structure, parametric studies are realized and discussed. Furthermore, the absorption characteristic of proposed MA is investigated for infrared and ultraviolet region. The enhancement of absorption of the structure will provide new type of sensors in these frequency ranges.     

High quality mid-wavelength infrared InAs/GaSb superlattices by exploring the optimum molecular beam epitaxy growth process

In this paper we report on the growth of mid-wavelength infrared superlattice materials by molecular beam epitaxy. We focused on the effects of process parameters, such as arsenic beam equivalent pressure and shutter sequences, on the key material properties, such as the lattice mismatch and the surface morphology. Though a smaller As beam equivalent pressure helps to reduce the lattice mismatch between the superlattice and the GaSb substrate, the As beam equivalent pressure itself has a lower limit below which the material’s surface morphology will degrade. To achieve fully lattice-matched superlattice materials, a novel shutter sequence in the growth process was designed. With well-designed interface structures, a high quality P-I-N superlattice mid-infrared detector structure was realized. At 77 K the dark current density at −50 mV bias was 2.4 × 10⁻⁸ A/cm² and the resistance-area product (RA) at maximum (−50 mV bias) was 2.4 × 10⁶ Ω cm², and the peak detectivity was then calculated to be 9.0 × 10¹² cm Hz^1/2/W. The background limited infrared photodetector (BLIP) level can be achieved at a temperature of 113 K.     

Advanced multifunctional optical switch for multimode optical fiber networks

In this work, an advanced multifunctional optical switch based on multimode fibers is proposed. It can work as a 3 × 1 optical multiplexer/combiner, a 2 × 2 optical switch, a variable optical attenuator and a variable optical power splitter. All these functionalities can be developed in the same device without any hardware modification, only by using the proper ports and control electronics.The proposed switch has been developed for being used in the visible and near infrared wavelength range: 450–650 nm for optical fiber automobile applications, 650–850 nm for home broadband applications; and 850–1300 nm for multimode fiber access networks. Up to three different types of twisted nematic liquid crystal cells have been designed and fabricated for fulfilling these different wavelength ranges as part of the proposed device.The multifunctional switch has been implemented and experimentally tested. Crosstalk usually better than ? 15 dB at 532 nm, 660 nm and 850 nm, in any state has been measured. Switching is achieved at voltage levels of 4 Vrms. Fiber to fiber insertion losses when operating as a 2 × 2 optical switch, range from 10 to 15 dB within 200 nm wavelength range; with a non-optimized optics for collimation and coupling.     

A novel evaluation metric based on visual perception for moving target detection algorithm

Traditional performance evaluation index for moving target detection algorithm, whose each index’s emphasis is different when it is used to evaluate the performance of the moving target detection algorithm, is inconvenient for people to make an evaluation of the performance of algorithm comprehensively and objectively. Particularly, when the detection results of different algorithms have the same number of the foreground point and the background point, the algorithm’s each traditional index is the same, and we can’t use the traditional index to compare the performance of the moving target detection algorithms, which is the disadvantage of traditional evaluation index that takes pixel as a unit when calculating the index. To solve this problem, combining with the feature of human’s visual perception system, this paper presents a new evaluation index-Visual Fluctuation (VF) based on the principle of image block to evaluate the performance of moving target detection algorithm. Experiments showed that the new evaluation index based on the visual perception makes up for the deficiency of traditional one, and the calculation results are not only in accordance with visual perception of human, but also evaluate the performance of the moving target detection algorithm more objectively.     

10.6 μm Infrared light photoinduced insulator-to-metal transition in vanadium dioxide

Vanadium dioxide has excellent phase transition characteristic. Before or after phase transition, its optical, electrical, magnetic characteristic hangs hugely. It has a wide application prospect in many areas. Now, the light which can make vanadium dioxide come to pass photoinduced phase transition range from soft X-ray to medium infrared light (6.9 μm, 180 meV). However, whether 10.6 μm (117 meV) long wave infrared light can make vanadium dioxide generate photoinduced phase transition has been not studied. In this paper, we researched the response characteristic of vanadium dioxide excited by 10.6 μm infrared light. We prepared the vanadium dioxide and test the changes of vanadium dioxide thin film’s transmittance to 632.8 nm infrared light when the thin film is irradiate by CO₂ laser. We also test the resistivity of vanadium dioxide. Excluding the effect of thermal induced phase transition, we find that the transmittance of vanadium dioxide thin film to 632.8 nm light and resistivity both changes when irradiating by 10.6 μm laser. This indicates that 10.6 μm infrared light can make the vanadium dioxide come to pass photoinduced phase transition. The finding makes vanadium has a potential application in recording the long-wave infrared hologram and making infrared detector with high resolution.