Overview:

SBIR has created a straightforward part numbering system that makes it easy for customers to build a target with precise dimension specifications for their particular test application.  Below you will find order information for each different type of target, as well as a selection guide to help determine which targets are necessary for your test application(s).   All targets are available with either reflective or emissive coatings.

Santa Barbara Infrared manufactures a wide range of targets for FLIR and electro-optical testing. These targets complement our complete line of IR test products. Utilizing a variety of manufacturing techniques, including conventional machining, photochemical etching, electro-deposition, electrical discharge machining (EDM) and laser cutting. SBIR targets are manufactured to exacting mechanical tolerances. SBIR manufactures all of the targets specified by MIL-STD-1859 and the Tri-Service Guide for thermal imager testing.

Four-Bar Targets

4-Bar, 7:1 aspect ratio targets are used to perform Minimum Resolvable Temperature Difference (MRTD) measurements. This test is a measure of overall system performance, and is the minimum differential temperature required for an observer to just detect a target of a specific spatial frequency. A set of targets with various spatial frequencies is used to measure MRTD as a function of spatial frequency.

» View Calculator for Four-Bar Targets

Four-Bar Target Calculator

» View Calculator for Four-Bar Targets

Multiple Four-Bar Targets

Constructing a target with several 4-Bar targets on a single target plate is a cost-effective means of multiple spatial frequency MRTD testing. Applications include production testing, GO/NO-GO testers, and quick performance checks. NOTE: Measured MRTD can vary with the location of the target due to the cos4 (O) effect. Additionally the presence of multiple targets may affect the objectivity of the observer. Please contact SBIR for recommendations.

Window Targets

Various window targets are used for tests such as Minimum Detectable Temperature (MDT), Signal Transfer Function (SiTF), Aperiodic Transfer Function (ATF), ringing, and low-frequency response. Window targets can be made with one edge on center, for Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) testing. Window targets can be manufactured in a wide range of sizes and aspect ratios.

Pinhole Targets

Pinhole targets are typically used for tests such as Minimum Detectable Temperature (MDT), Alignment, and Boresight, or as a limiting aperture in front of a source of radiation.

» View Pinhole Diameter Calculator

Alignment Targets

Alignment targets are useful in boresighting applications, collimator alignment, and focusing. With an SBIR target projector system incorporating a target alignment light, these operations are greatly simplified. Pinholes, as well as pinhole-and-cross combinations are typically used; others are available upon request.

Slit Targets

A slit target is used for MTF testing. The unit under test (UUT) images the slit, and a line of video is stripped out. MTF is obtained from the Fourier transform of the video data, corrected by the finite slit width response. By measuring the output as a function of variable slit width, the slit response function (SRF) is obtained. The SRF provides the imager Instantaneous Field of View (IFOV).

Interlace Targets

An interlace target is used to detect poor interlace mirror adjustment, as well as to identify strapped or dead channels. These faults are seen as deviations from the ideal smooth diagonal line.

Three-Temperature Targets

Both emissive and reflective coatings can be incorporated into a single target. When this type of target is used with our target projectors, a total of three radiance values can be projected at the same time. Applications for these targets include plume or vehicle signature simulations. Contact SBIR for further details.

Frequency Sweep Targets

Typical applications for the frequency sweep target include setting system focus, GO/NO-GO screening, Contrast Transfer Function (CTF) measurement, and environmental testing. The frequency sweep target can also be used to evaluate image processing algorithms, such as line-to-line interpolation. Targets can be made with either a linear or logarithmic sweep.

Correlation Targets

SBIR manufactures the Standard Correlation Target (patent pending), as well as many other targets for evaluating signal processing, machine vision, and tracking algorithms. The Standard Correlation Target is a target of known complexity and detail, specified by the number of features and the statistical distribution of feature size. This target simulates Closely Spaced Objects (CSOs) for Infrared Search and Track (IRST) applications.

Distortion Targets

One way to measure geometric distortion is by presenting a uniform array of precisely-located fiducial marks to the UUT. These marks are then either measured on the display, or compared to a regular array of lines generated by a signal generator. A regular array of pinholes is excellent for this application.

Abingdon Targets

This target is used to evaluate the speed and accuracy of image processing algorithms. The task is to find the medial axis of the cross. The area of the cross and its intensity are equated to the area and intensity of the object it is meant to simulate. It is a useful measurement tool to indicate how quickly the algorithm can find targets in the real world.

Gray Scale Targets

Gray scale targets can be manufactured in a variety of step size functions and gray levels. The step functions can be linear or logarithmic, from zero to 100% transmission. Gray scales are used to measure linearity and dynamic range in a single operation.

Note: these targets are all custom-made and require all input from a customer specification drawing.

Scene Targets

Scene targets consist of a sub-pixel dot pattern deposited onto an IR transmitting substrate. SBIR produces a variety of scene targets with varying levels of resolution and grayscale. Scene targets are typically used for mission simulation and training.

Note: these targets are all custom-made and require all input from a customer specification drawing.

USAF1951 Resolution Target

Chrome on glass, 100% contrast resolution target for visible sensor system testing.

Visible Targets

Transmissive targets are available for use in testing of Vis/NIR/SWIR systems. Contact SBIR for help defining specific target configurations.

Custom Targets

Special targets can be designed to fit your application, or produced from your specifications. Contact SBIR with your testing requirements, for assistance in developing a complete test scenario.

Mounting Configurations:

Discrete targets mount directly to the blackbody target support plate. These targets can be oriented in 90 degree increments to do horizontal and vertical MRTD and MTF testing.

Wheel targets are mounted in counterbores in the target wheel. The targets can be rotated in their mounts by a spanner wrench. Target orientation is adjustable to precisely match the FLIR orientation, eliminating the problem of edge aliasing. Alignment reference features on the target and the mount are provided at 0, 45 and 90 degrees. See the target wheel section for more information.

Range Simulation:

Targets can be manufactured with the plane of the target pattern offset from the infinity focus of the collimator. The result is a slightly divergent beam from the collimator, which simulates a target at a prescribed range. This precisely repeatable range simulation technique does not require refocusing between targets, as the range is pre-set in the target. This technique is a very cost-effective means of performing range simulation.

Emissive & Reflective Targets:

The Emissive Target is the industry standard for IR testing. Our 14000Z Series target projectors are designed for use with these targets. The targets are coated with a high-emissivity, structured black coating, identical to that of the blackbody. Targets are designed to provide a uniform background with high thermal stability. The behavior of such targets is very well-characterized. The temperature of the target is measured with a high performance temperature sensor. A blackbody behind the target is held at a differential temperature relative to the target temperature, and the radiance difference of these two surfaces, at different temperatures, forms the IR image.

SBIR also offers a line of high quality Reflective Targets. Instead of a high-emissivity black coating, these targets are polished and coated with a high reflectance gold. In a reflective target scheme, the radiance of the target itself is not projected. Instead, the target reflects energy from a high-emissivity reference source.

Order Information:

Please contact SBIR at (805) 965-3669 for ordering information.

Information subject to change without notice.