Project Title:
Long-Wavelength, Infrared, Detection System for Wind Tunnel Design and Experimental
02.07-6621
911178
Long-Wavelength, Infrared, Detection System for Wind Tunnel Design and Experimental
Techniques
Amber Engineering, Inc.
5756 Thornwood Drive
Goleta
CA
93117-3802
John D.
Blackwell
805-683-6621
LaRC
NAS1-19517
020
02.07-6621
911178
Abstract:
Long-Wavelength, Infrared, Detection System for Wind Tunnel Design and Experimental
Techniques
Infrared detection and imaging systems are required for measuring temperature profiles
along the surface of models in a cryogenic environment, down to 100 K or less. Staring
infrared arrays offer advantages over scanned arrays presently used for this application.
This project will demonstrate the feasibility of installing a closed-cycle infrared
camera system in a wind tunnel. The firm has successfully demonstrated gallium-doped
silicon (Si:Ga) 128x128 element, long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) staring focal plane
arrays (FPAs), with spectral coverage from 3-17 micrometers. A Si:Ga based LWIR imaging
system will be used to image airplane models. A sensitivity of 0.02mK or better is
predicted for Si:Ga at temperatures down to 100 K. The system's video electronics
features variable frame rates (up to 217Hz) and integration times, and furnishes
both raw digital data and RS-170 outputs for data recording purposes. It is anticipated
that project results will show Si:Ga staring FPA technology is the optimal solution
for test and research applications in cryogenic windtunnels. This project offers
the near-term prospect of retrofitting wind tunnels with low-cost, high-performance
LWIR camera systems.
Commercial applications would apply in leak detection and imaging or similar low
background scenes including satellite detection, detection of clear-air turbulence
(commercial aircraft), discovery of leaks in pipelines (e.g., Alaska oil pipeline),
constituent determination of earth and planetary atmospheres, and remote sensing
of atmospheric and weather conditions.
wind tunnel, LWIR, cryogenic, Si:GA, FPA, infrared, imaging, airplane