Mirage dynamic IR scene projectors

Select MIRAGE-H when a 512 × 512 or 800 × 800 array satisfies the scene and unit-under-test requirements, and select MIRAGE-XL when a 1024 × 1024 format is needed. Both variants use 48 µm pixels, accept 20–200 Hz scene input and have a Digital Emitter Engine measuring 14.5 in in diameter by 13.5 in in length at 54 lb. This keeps the stated mechanical and temporal baseline broadly consistent, making spatial resolution the principal differentiator. In practice, compare the array format with the intended field of view, projected target size, collimator focal length and detector sampling. The projector and its optics should be specified as a complete optical chain.

The projectors cover stated operating ranges in the 3–5 µm MWIR and 8–12 µm LWIR bands. Both variants provide an MWIR effective temperature range of 285–675 K, with a non-uniformity-corrected range of 290–650 K. In LWIR, MIRAGE-H covers 285–500 K and MIRAGE-XL covers 285–525 K, while both specify 290–500 K with correction applied. The corrected span is the more relevant working range when uniformity-controlled output is required. Engineers should map every required apparent-temperature point to the selected waveband and corrected operating range before finalising the system configuration.

The systems accept input frame rates from 20 to 200 Hz, making them suitable for a range of dynamic hardware-in-the-loop sequences. At 200 Hz, each frame occupies 5 ms, compared with the standard pixel rise time of 6.5 ms. The Scene Accelerator upgrade reduces the stated rise time to 5.0 ms, aligning it more closely with the maximum-rate frame period. Large temperature transitions may still require careful analysis because emitter response, unit-under-test integration time and scene timing all affect the observed stimulus. End-to-end timing should therefore be validated with representative scene content rather than from frame rate alone.

Non-uniformity correction is applied to each pixel in real time, with the specifications identifying a 16-point lookup table. An optional Calibration Radiometry System compares individual emitter-pixel output with a pair of blackbody references and automates the collection of correction data. This provides a controlled basis for correcting spatial variations across the array and over its dynamic range. Calibration can be performed within the test facility or incorporated as part of the supplied system configuration. Absolute radiometric accuracy and recalibration intervals are not specified, so users should define them through their uncertainty budget, verification procedure and quality requirements.

Each system comprises a Digital Emitter Engine, command and control electronics, and a thermal support subsystem. The command and control electronics are PC-based and installed in a rack configuration, while the thermal subsystem includes power supplies, a refrigerated chiller and an ion-pump controller. The Digital Emitter Engine weighs 54 lb and measures 14.5 in in diameter by 13.5 in in length, with a fibre-optic scene-data receiver and a kinematic optical interface. Installation planning should therefore include rack space, structural support, cooling connections, cable and hose routing, and access for optical alignment. Electrical-load and coolant-capacity values must be confirmed before completing the facility design.

The primary scene-data paths are DVI and local-memory image upload, while RS-170, NTSC and PAL analogue video inputs are also supported. DVP2 and DDO2 are identified within the wider range and should be confirmed for the selected model and configuration. A Windows graphical interface provides system setup, sequencing, operational status and built-in-test reporting. A remote application programming interface allows the projector to be controlled from facility software rather than solely from the local workstation. Where repeatable prerecorded sequences are needed, the optional image playback system can capture DVI data to disk and replay selected sequences in real time.

The main options are the Calibration Radiometry System, real-time image playback, custom collimators and the Scene Accelerator upgrade. The calibration system is relevant where users need facility-controlled non-uniformity correction based on blackbody references. Image playback supports the capture, storage and repeated DVI playback of test sequences, while the accelerator reduces the stated pixel rise time from 6.5 to 5.0 ms. A custom collimator should be specified around the required waveband, field of view, aperture, focal length and unit-under-test pupil geometry. These options should be selected from the radiometric error budget, timing model and optical interface requirements rather than treated as general-purpose accessories.

Shipment outside the United States requires an export licence, so licensing should be incorporated into the procurement schedule. A fixed ordering code is not defined for the range because the required model, emitter format, optics, calibration arrangement and optional subsystems depend on the application. The technical specification should identify the required resolution, waveband, corrected temperature range, frame rate, optical interface, playback functions and facility constraints. Export classification, destination approval and configuration-specific documentation should be confirmed before placing the order. Final interface, utility and dimensional information should also be obtained before the test-cell design is frozen.