| Abstract: | The problems associated with the optimization of the design of active night viewing systems based on the infra-red image converter tube are discussed with special reference to its key components; namely the optics, the imaging device and the infra-red source. The role of spectral matching between the response of the imaging device and the distribution of the infra-red source is highlighted, and these factors pertaining to some practical sources in combination with the imaging device are computed. A procedure for the design of an infra-red source to achieve a specified field irradiance is presented, and the use of these concepts in the optimization of the design of practical systems is illustrated. |
