EO/IR (Electro-Optical/Infra-Red) systems are imaging systems used for military or law enforcement applications which include both visible and infrared sensors.
Because they span both visible and infrared wavelengths, EO/IR systems provide total situational awareness both day and night and in low light conditions.
EO/IR sensors may capture light in the visible and ultraviolet wavelengths, as well as short, medium and long-wave infrared (SWIR/MWIR/LWIR).
The choice of wavelengths will depend on the application of the system and the targets it is designed to detect.
The IR cameras may be cooled or uncooled, with cooled systems typically offering longer range and greater sensitivity but being bulkier and more expensive.
Non-imaging EO/IR systems are used to detect what are known as point targets, which are small enough to appear as a single point within the resolution of the sensor.
These are used to detect the presence of threats such as enemy aircraft, missiles, and drones, and tend to focus on detecting unusual amounts of emitted energy rather than capturing significant detail.
Imaging EO/IR systems are used to detect what are known as extended targets, and can also be used to detect point targets.
EO/IR imaging systems may aim to capture full detail of extended targets in the same way as other camera systems, or may capture images of the sky and then look for point targets within that image.
EO/IR signal processing is important because situational awareness has been the centerpiece of combat throughout the history of warfare.
In the 21st century’s increasingly networked digital, data-heavy battlespace, it has become more crucial than ever to warfighter security and success.
EO/IR sensors and their data processors often serve as the eyes of deployed military forces.
Want to learn more? Tonex offers EO/IR Signal Processing Workshop, a 3-day course that provides an in-depth exploration of the principles, technologies, and applications related to Electro-Optical/Infrared signal processing.
Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of EO/IR theory, systems, and engineering, along with advanced topics such as infrared technology, signature suppression, imaging and non-imaging systems, tracking, and infrared countermeasures.
For more information, questions, comments, contact us.