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For evaluation of the possibilities and potentials of multispectral infrared imaging a filter wheel camera system was developed. The camera is designed for high speed operation permitting acquisition of subsequent MWIR spectral images in short time. Potential applications of a multispectral camera are temperature measurement, gas and fire visualisation. Some experiments were performed to validate the applicability of the camera system.

Analysis and optimization of camouflage and the development of countermeasures requires careful examination of infrared signatures in the MWIR (3 - 5 μm) and LWIR (8 - 14 μm) atmospheric windows. A dual band infrared camera system based on two FPA detectors (640 x 512 pixels) was developed for simultaneous infrared image acquisition in the MWIR and LWIR spectral range, the Dual-Band FPA640 Aero "Clementine". For the camera system most recent quantum well infrared photo detector (QWIP) and MCT technologies are utilized. The system is designed for a helicopter-borne stabilized platform. It is equipped with two f=100 mm motorized IR lenses with identical fields of view. The image data are transmitted via optical fibers from the camera system to the CompactPCI based computing unit. The computing unit performs non-uniformity correction and digital IR video recording to hard disk drives at full 14 bit dynamic resolution. GPS data are recorded simultaneously. During flight the camera system is operated with a compact remote display and control panel on which the live images are displayed. Sophisticated software permits overlay of MWIR and LWIR images of recorded IR videos with various algorithms. The system is prepared for upgrading with a third FPA detector covering the SWIR atmospheric window in the spectral range 1.3 - 2.5 μm. In the presentation an overview of the system specifications are given. First experiences with helicopter-borne operation are reported.

This article presents strategies, implementations and applications of handling infrared FPA data streams at high data rates on most recent standard PCs. Those data streams require maximum data throughput of modern PCs. Real-time non-uniformity correction (gain and offset correction) of those high speed infrared FPA data streams will be discussed. The performance of PC based systems for Real-Time data Acquisition and data Hard Disk Storage (RT-AHDS) will be described in more detail. Some of the Thermosensorik systems for use in research and development, as well as in in-line testing systems in industry for various applications will be presented. This paper describes some of the demanding tasks for the PC based concept, as well as some major advantages.

Infrared cameras are sometimes not fast or sensitive enough when short events with low temperature dynamics have to be measured. Thermal imaging systems sensitive at 3micrometers - 5micrometers usually operate with integration times of 1 ms and more for room temperature scene measurements. Thus very short events with low dynamics cannot be resolved with sufficient temporal and thermal resolution. Advanced measurement techniques which make use of triggering, summing or even lock-in must be used then. We present an infrared imaging system, based on a high quantum efficiency 384x288 pixel HgCdTe FPA detector, for temperature measurements of gasoline sprays ejected out of injection nozzles for automobile motors. The temperature distribution of the gasoline jet while ejected out of a injection nozzle (the process is finished after 2 ms) is urged to be known with high accuracy at high temporal and spatial resolution. With highly advanced instrumentation we are able to measure with both high temporal and temperature resolution. The system described here helps automotive engineers to better understand and improve the combustion process in modern motors.

We present thermal IR microscopy systems suitable for a spatial resolution below 10micrometers . This resolution close to the fundamental limit is achieved using high resolution FPA - IR cameras, a high speed microscopy optic and acquisition of multiple frames which are shuffled by software in real time. Some fundamental consideration to gain insight into the task of thermal microscopy are briefed. The minimum resolvable temperature and the noise equivalent temperature difference both are a function of thermal diffusivity i.e. material properties, integration time and optics. The basic relationships are explained using numerical modeling. Based on our considerations and knowledge we developed different TIM-Systems, each having specific advantages and are therefore more or less suitable for certain applications. A high spatial temperature or thermal resolution is necessary for different materials under investigation. Examples demonstrate the unique capabilities of the innovative systems and give a glance of the various technical applications of TIM systems.

Weak spots or damage areas in the thermal insulation of heat pipelines cause heat losses in district heating distribution systems. Especially, the sleeve joints are frequent leak sources. Traditional methods for testing the pipeline insulation require heating the whole heat pipeline after laying and are thus time consuming. In this paper we present a novel and simple method suitable for non-destructive quality control. The method may be applied during pipeline production. It also serves as a fast method for testing the sleeve joint directly after assembly, even in the case of a cold laying of the pipelines. The procedure only requires low-energy local heating in the test area which needs to be applied to the interior of the medium pipe. The method is based on a focal plane array thermal imaging system. The temperature distribution on the surface of the pipeline is imaged by the infrared camera after applying a heat pulse in the area under test. The camera used resolves temperature differences of the order of 10 mK, exhibits long-term calibration stability, and is robust for outdoor use. Damages of the insulation at a size down to a few cubic centimeters are resolved as 'hot spots' on the surface of the heat pipeline. The high sensitivity is achieved by dynamic measurements of the heat redistribution after applying the heat pulse. Images having an optimum contrast are usually observed with some delay (up to a few minutes) after the heat pulse. In the paper we will present numerical simulations of the leak detection and thus demonstrate the resolution. Examples of tests will be given.

In this paper the IR Microscopy Thermosensoric Defect Localization method ((mu) -TDL) is presented. This technique is based on a novel IR microscopy lens which permits to take IR images with a spatial resolution of better than 10 micrometer, which is close to the theoretical limit. The (mu) -TDL method is demonstrated on defective CuInSe2 solar modules consisting of several solar cells serially interconnected and having solar efficiencies considerably below the average. By using the accurate localization of the defects by the (mu) -TDL method further investigations were performed and the origin for the defect was found. The (mu) -TDL method is also applicable to solar cells and modules consisting of other materials, such as amorphous Si or CdTe. The (mu) TDL method is suitable for the solar module development as well as for non- destructive production control.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

We present a novel method, the Gas Imaging (GIm) method, developed for the localization of gas distributions in the atmosphere. The method is suitable for the detection of a gases which exhibit at least one absorption line in the IR spectral range. In this paper the GIm method is demonstrated for methane released into the atmosphere from leaks along natural gas pipelines. Methane distributions in the atmosphere around the leaky pipeline are detected and visualized by spectrally tuned IR imaging. In contrast to conventional techniques which utilize laser radiation sources or scanning, we irradiate the overall region under investigation by 1 kW halogen lamps. The scene background is subtracted by a real-time computer evaluation of the image. The methane gas emitted from the leak creates a flickering cloud in the image which is easily recognized. Methane concentrations as low as 0.03 percent by volume are visible. The method was successfully tested under realistic conditions on a buried pipeline by a natural gas provider.

We present a novel method developed for the localization of leaks along natural gas pipelines. Methane distributions in the atmosphere around the leaky pipeline are detected and visualized by spectrally tuned IR imaging. In contrast to conventional techniques which utilize laser radiation sources or scanning, we irradiate the overall region under investigation by 1 kW halogen lamps. The scene background is subtracted by a real-time computer evaluation of the image. The methane gas emitted from the leak creates a flickering cloud in the image which is easily recognized. Methane concentrations as low as 0.03 percent by volume are visible. The method was successfully tested under realistic conditions on a buried pipeline by a natural gas provider.

Using a recently developed PtSi IR focal plane array imaging system, ZAE Bayern develops new IR measurement techniques for industrial and medical applications. In this paper we present three examples for the analysis of material nonuniformities and a buried heat source. A new method for detecting the surface moisture of porous solids has been developed. The water content at the surface is determined by using an infrared filter tuned to the water-specific spectral line at (lambda) equals 2.92 micrometer. With a numerical simulation of the water transport we determined the effective diffusion coefficient. Surface temperature transients are recorded after a short infrared irradiation excitation at a frame rate of 50 Hz to localize voids or blisters in solid materials. The method is tested for a glass substrate. The analysis is in quantitative agreement with the test configuration. Furthermore we show that it is possible to localize leaks in heat pipelines a few meters below the earth surface by dynamical infrared imaging techniques.