Advance Search
中文

2022 Vol. 44, No. 10

column
  Previous Issue | Next Issue 
Display Method:
Survey & Review
Infrared Detector Butted Technology for Space
LYU Weidong, DENG Xuguang, WANG Qianwei, LIAN Minlong, ZHANG Jiushuang, CHEN Ming, GU Deyu, TIAN Dacheng
2022, 44(10): 999-1008.
Abstract HTML (91) PDF(134)
Abstract:
To meet the demand for wide field of view, high-resolution, and multispectral detection in space applications, more large-scale bands and infrared focal plane arrays will be the future trend in space remote sensing. Currently, the scale and band of massive array detectors are limited by the sizes of detector materials and processing technology of silicon; thus, they are unable to meet the space requirements for wide field of view, high-resolution, and multispectral detection. Obtaining large-scale and multiband detectors through butting is a practical solution. In this paper, several butting techniques are discussed, and their properties, key technologies, and capabilities are presented.
Research Progress of InAsSb Infrared Detectors
CHEN Dongqiong, YANG Wenyun, DENG Gongrong, GONG Xiaoxia, FAN Mingguo, XIAO Tingting, SHANG Falan, YU Ruiyun
2022, 44(10): 1009-1017.
Abstract HTML (88) PDF(186)
Abstract:
The cut-off wavelength of the spectral responses of the Ⅲ-Ⅴ semiconductor alloys InAs1-xSbx can be changed from 3 to 12 μm by tuning the relative amount of antimony in the alloy at room temperature. In addition, with longer carrier lifetime, higher optical absorption coefficient and higher carrier mobility can be achieved. InAsSb is a type of prospective MWIR and LWIR detector material that has potential applications. InAsSb detector can work at 150 K even at near room temperature with higher sensitivity and detectivity. Hence, it is one of the best choices for low-power, miniaturized, low-cost, highly sensitive, and fast-response MWIR and LWIR detection systems. InAsSb detectors have been widely studied and developed. In this paper, the fundamental material properties are described. Next, the status of the InAsSb infrared photodetectors domestic and abroad is introduced. Finally, the development of the InAsSb infrared detection technology is summarized and prospected.
Progress on Hyperspectral Camouflage Materials and Techniques for Spectral Characteristic Simulation of Green Vegetation
ZU Mei, YAN Feng, GAN Yuanfeng, LIU Xuemei, LIU Dongqing, LI Mingyang, CHENG Haifeng
2022, 44(10): 1018-1026.
Abstract HTML (297) PDF(61)
Abstract:
Hyperspectral imaging technologies have put forward newer and higher requirements for camouflage and stealth technology. By studying the spectral characteristic simulation technology of various green vegetation, new ideas can be explored to solve the problem of target camouflage under hyperspectral imaging reconnaissance. This paper summarized spectral features of greenery in the visible-near-infrared band as well as the thermal infrared band, and analyzed the formation mechanism of its spectral property in those two bands. Furthermore, the research progress on the hyperspectral camouflage materials and techniques for simulating the spectral characteristics of green vegetation in recent years were described. Based on the analysis of the disadvantages of the existing hyperspectral camouflage materials and technologies, the development direction and trend of hyperspectral camouflage materials and technologies for simulating the spectral characteristics of green vegetation were proposed.
Materials & Devices
ICP Dry Etching of Type Ⅱ InAs/GaSb Superlattice Long-wavelength Focal Plane Arrays
WANG Haipeng, MU Yingchun, PENG Qiusi, HUANG Youwen, LI Junbing, GONG Xiaodan, LIU Yue, AO Yu, ZHOU Xuchang, LI Dongsheng, Kong Jincheng
2022, 44(10): 1027-1032.
Abstract HTML (81) PDF(86)
Abstract:
Dielectrical layer SiO2/SiN is used as a mask in studying inductively coupled plasma (ICP) etching conditions of InAs/GaSbⅡsuperlattice infrared materials for improving the electrical performance of the device. In this article, ICP etching parameters of InAs/GaSb type-Ⅱ superlattice with SiO2/SiN were investigated. Two common phenomena observed in the ICP etching process, mesa lateral undercutting and under mesa undercutting, were analyzed in detail. The mesa lateral undercutting was efficiently improved by increasing the thickness of the SiO2 film and reducing the Ar gas flow rate. The table undercut was effectively eradicated by reducing the radio frequency (RF) power of the bottom electrode. A bright and flat etching surface with a surface roughness of 0.193 nm was obtained by using an appropriate thickness of SiO2/SiN mask and optimized ICP etching parameters. The etching mesa angle was greater than 80°, and the etching selection ratio was greater than 8.5:1. The dark current density of a long-wavelength 640×512 focal plane array manufactured using improved ICP etching conditions was lower by an order of magnitude, reaching 3×10-4A/cm2. Other parameters, such as response non-uniformity, signal-to-noise ratio, and effective pixel rate were also improved, and a clear image was obtained.
Effect of Material Morphology on the Performance of HgCdTe Infrared Focal Plane Devices
CHEN Shuzhen, QI Jiaojiao, WANG Dan, CHENG Jie, GAO Hua, HE Bin
2022, 44(10): 1033-1040.
Abstract HTML (24) PDF(45)
Abstract:
The roughness of material surfaces has a significant impact on the quality of passivation films and the lithography and etching of contact holes. Therefore, studying the influence of the surface roughness of materials on the performance of HgCdTe infrared focal plane devices' is important. In this study, we separately evaluated the influence of the facet morphology and step morphology of mercury cadmium telluride on the performance of the device and the influence of mercury cadmium telluride materials with different surface roughness on the preparation process and final performance of the device. Studies have shown that as the surface roughness of the materials increases, the quality of the passivation layers decreases, uniformity of the contact holes decreases, morphology of the contact holes deteriorates, and I-V performance is degraded, eventually leading to an increase in the non-uniformity of the device responses and an increase in the blind pixel rate.
Design and Fabrication of 940 nm Filter and Research on Its Low Angle Effect
TANG Jiajian, SHEN Longhai, ZHONG Weiping, LI Xiang, LUO Hao
2022, 44(10): 1041-1044.
Abstract HTML (61) PDF(45)
Abstract:
In this study, a 940-nm narrowband filter used for face recognition is designed and examined and a narrowband filter with low angle effect is developed. TiO2 and SiO2 are chosen as high and low refractive index materials, respectively. The film system is designed by using the Essential Macleod software and optimized by changing the material of the spacer layer. The film system has 11 layers and a total thickness of 2480.76 nm. The thin film is plated by using the electron beam thermal evaporation deposition technology, and the transmittance spectral characteristics are tested using a Fourier infrared spectrometer. The center wavelength of the finally developed filter is 940 nm. In the cut-off range (200 to 1100 nm), the pass-band transmittance is greater than 80%, average cut-off transmittance is less than 1%, and offset at 0° to 22° passband is 14 nm.
Systems & Designs
Design and Development of a Low-Light Detection Imaging System Circuit
JIANG Ting, CHEN Weinan, XIA Zhentao, HU Jibao, JIANG Shouwang, SUN Yongxue, LI Taiping, XIE Yongquan
2022, 44(10): 1045-1051.
Abstract HTML (60) PDF(58)
Abstract:
To achieve low-light detection in low-light remote sensing satellites, an imaging circuit is designed based on a low-light complementary metal oxide semiconductor image sensor named GSENSE2020. The imaging circuit facilitates the drive control of the image sensor and the reception and transmission of high-speed image data through a field programmable gate array (FPGA), provides low-noise power supply for the image sensor through DC/DC and low-dropout regulator, and uses a power management integrated circuit to solve the problem of FPGA power-on timing. The circuit also uses DDR3 to perform high-speed image caching and processing and adopts an embedded multimedia card to meet the requirements of image data storage rate and capacity. The intellectual property core and primitives of the FPGA are used instead of a CameraLink interface conversion chip to establish the CameraLink communication protocol. Thus, the circuit can directly transmit image data with high speed to the CarameLink interface. The experimental results show that the circuit's functions and the performance of the imaging system reach the expected design goals. The output data rate of the system reaches 2.4 Gbps, frame rate reaches 25 fps, and signal-to-noise ratio reaches 45.5 dB.
Drive-and-control Scheme for 512×512 MOS Resistor Array
ZHONG Guoli, LIAO Shouyi, YANG Xinjie
2022, 44(10): 1052-1058.
Abstract HTML (28) PDF(30)
Abstract:
The metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) resistor array is the key core device of infrared imaging target simulation systems. The quality of its projected infrared image directly affects the fidelity and reliability of infrared imaging guidance hardware-in-the-loop simulation tests. As the new generation domestic 512×512 MOS resistance array work mode and the multiplication of pixel scale and image data transmission resulted in higher requirements for drive control systems, the appropriate drive-and-control scheme was studied. The study was based on optical fiber data transmission and a PCI-Express high-speed bus and field programmable gate array. The problems of high data throughput and high-precision timing-signal generation were solved, and a high-speed establishment method for multi-channel analog signal was designed. The simulation verification showed that the drive-and-control scheme can reach a refresh rate of more than 200 Hz in the snapshot mode of the 512×512 MOS resistance array, and the gray-scale of each pixel was 16 bits. This study provides a reference for practical engineering applications of 512×512 MOS resistor array.
Optical Design of Multispectral Imaging Spectrometer in Broadband Mid-wave Infrared
WANG Haiyang, MING Jingqian, JIA Xingrui, FU Yanpeng, LIU Yongjie, WANG Guiquan, YANG Jing
2022, 44(10): 1059-1065.
Abstract HTML (69) PDF(90)
Abstract:
A cooling-type mid-wave infrared broadband (2.7 to 5 μm) multi- spectral dual-field imaging optical system based on a filter and cooled detector is designed. A scene can be imaged by using an infrared-cooled detector through the corresponding filter. In this system, the filter wheel with multiple filters is placed in front of the detector to minimize the aperture of the filters and provide compatibility with non-uniformity correction functions. The filter wheel is rotated to obtain multiple required spectrum information, and the differential technology can better extract the target information and improve the sensitivity. The F-number of the system is 4, focal length is 70 mm/280 mm, and modulation transfer function is close to the diffraction limit. The system has an optical active athermalization function in the range of −50℃ to 80℃. The simulation results show that the performance of the system can meet the design requirement.
Design of Long-wavelength Infrared Athermalization Lens with Large Relative Aperture for Large-array Detectors
FENG Lijun, LI Xunniu, CHEN Jie, ZHOU Lingling, DONG Jiangtao, SUN Aiping, BAO Jianan
2022, 44(10): 1066-1072.
Abstract HTML (124) PDF(63)
Abstract:
With the advancements in infrared detector technology, long-wavelength infrared imaging lenses having a large relative aperture and large-array are being fabricated. In this study, a long-wavelength infrared athermalized lens with a large relative aperture (F/#=0.8) was designed for a large-array detector (1024 × 68@12 μm). Based on the temperature characteristics of different infrared materials and the theory of optical passive athermalization, the lens has a combination design of three infrared materials and an aberration correction design of four aspherical surfaces. The system is developed such that the spot diagram and modulation transfer function curve of every field of view have only small changes in the temperature range of −40–60℃, thus satisfying the optical non-heating design requirement. The lens has the advantages of a high luminous flux, compact structure, and good manufacturability. It can be used in driver assistance systems and aircraft pods for situation awareness.
Image Processing & Simulation
Infrared Moving-point Target Semi-Automatic Labeling Algorithm Based on Target Enhancement and Visual Tracking
HE Min, HUI Bingwei, YI Mengni, HU Weidong
2022, 44(10): 1073-1081.
Abstract HTML (38) PDF(22)
Abstract:
Infrared video data annotation has the problems of low efficiency and poor quality. In this paper, a semi-automatic labeling method for moving point targets in infrared sequence images is proposed based on target enhancement and visual tracking to solve it. First, infrared sequence images in a continuous period of time were registered and fused to enhance the target features. Second, a visual tracking algorithm was utilized to locate the fused features efficiently and automatically. Lastly, a saliency map was obtained through phase spectrum reconstruction, and the exact coordinates of a target were obtained. During automatic annotation, the difference between the annotation results of adjacent frames was used to select key frames, which enabled the annotators to locate the image frames that had errors and manually annotated them quickly. The results of the experiments showed that the algorithm significantly reduced the participation of annotators and effectively solved the problems of long period and poor quality assurance in data annotation.
Infrared Image Enhancement Method Based on Multiscale Weighted Guided Filtering
HU Jiahui, ZHAN Weida, GUI Tingting, SHI Yanli, GU Xing
2022, 44(10): 1082-1088.
Abstract HTML (57) PDF(104)
Abstract:
Existing infrared images have problems on fuzzy details, unclear edges, and texture. This paper proposed an infrared image enhancement method based on weighted guided filtering to solve these problems. First, multiscale weighted guided filtering with steering kernel layered the input images. It obtained detailed layer images and a base layer image. Subsequently, maximum posterior probability algorithm based on Markov-Poisson and Gamma correction algorithms enhanced the detailed layer images. Adaptive histogram equalization algorithm with limited contrast stretched the contrast of the base layer image. Finally, enhanced images were obtained through linear fusion. The subjective and objective experimental results show that the proposed method had good detail enhancement effects, and the edges and texture information of the processed images were relatively prominent. The proposed method had better calculation results for information entropy(IE), entropy enhancement(EME), and mean gradient (AG). It satisfies the requirements for enhanced infrared images and clear edge textures.
Nighttime Image Dehazing Algorithm Based on Improved Transmittance Distribution Estimation
XUE Nan, YAN Limin
2022, 44(10): 1089-1094.
Abstract HTML (31) PDF(34)
Abstract:
This paper presents an improved transmittance distribution estimation algorithm for nighttime image dehazing to solve lack of detailed information and serious damage to the texture of light source areas when the dark channel prior dehazing algorithm processes foggy images at night. An improved transmittance distribution was obtained by introducing a dark state point light source model, a dark channel credibility weight factor, and a pseudo dehazing image, combined with a nighttime image imaging model, and the dehazed image at night was dehazed. The experimental results showed that the image processed by using the proposed algorithm had little loss in texture details and high image definition, and the contrast between the light and dark of the image was better stretched, which effectively dehazed a foggy image at night.
Saliency-based Multiband Image Synchronization Fusion Method
YU Dong, LIN Suzhen, LU Xiaofei, LI Dawei, WANG Yanbo
2022, 44(10): 1095-1102.
Abstract HTML (34) PDF(37)
Abstract:
To address the problem of low contrast and inconspicuous salient objects in multi-band image fusion, this paper presents a saliency-based multiband image synchronous fusion method. First, a near-infrared image was used as a data fidelity item, and infrared and visible light images provided salient and detailed information on the results of fusion, respectively. Second, a visual saliency-based infrared salient region extraction method was used to construct a weight map to overcome unsalient regions and blurred edges in the results of fusion. Finally, the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) was used to solve the model and obtain the results of fusion. The research results showed that, compared with a representative image fusion algorithm, the proposed algorithm retained the thermal radiation information of the infrared image while retaining clearer details, and was better in many objective evaluation indicators.
Inner-Canthus Localization in Infrared Thermal Images in Outdoor Environments
SUN Lei, CHEN Shuyue, QI Yamin
2022, 44(10): 1103-1111.
Abstract HTML (37) PDF(19)
Abstract:
Target areas in infrared thermal images in outdoor environments are affected by background overheating and the surrounding environment, causing fuzzy target boundaries and large noise. An inner-canthus location algorithm for infrared thermal images in outdoor environments is proposed to solve this problem. First, the algorithm corrects the facial tilt of collected images. Then, Gentle-Adaboost and Haar features are combined to perform approximate localization of human faces and eyes, and geometric correction is applied to accurately locate the eye region. Finally, based on the characteristics of the inner-canthus region, an inner-canthus location is proposed by combining region refinement and region growth segmentation. Experiments are conducted on three different infrared thermal image datasets and outdoor datasets independently collected at different temperature ranges in different seasons. The results show that the proposed method can effectively locate the inner canthus in the outdoor environment, and the accuracy for human eyes and inner-canthus can reach 98.1% and 97.7%, respectively.
Nondestructive Testing
Infrared Detection of Near Surface Defects of Aeroengine Blade Based on Array Hot Air Excitation
WANG Hao, WU Yize, WANG Tao
2022, 44(10): 1112-1117.
Abstract HTML (23) PDF(33)
Abstract:
The three-dimensional curved structure, complex material properties and special cooling channels of the aeroengine blades have brought difficulties to the detection of the near surface defects of the blades. Aiming at the problem that the uneven heating of the thermal excitation source leads to poor detection of infrared heat maps and low defect recognition, an active infrared detection method based on array hot air excitation is proposed, and a set of adjustable array hot air infrared non-destructive testing experimental platform is improved and built. By designing a comparative experiment between array hot air excitation and local hot air excitation, and using the canny operator to identify the edge of defects, the advantages of the array hot air excitation active infrared detection method are proved. The temperature variation law of the cracked specimens under different materials is analyzed through experiments. The experimental results show that as the thermal diffusion coefficient increases, the earlier the temperature rise occurs, and the maximum surface temperature shows a downward trend. Through the use of testing experimental platform to detect the aeroengine blades, the temperature distribution law of thermal conductivity and thermal insulation defects is revealed; the thermal conductivity, thermal insulation, and two mixed types of defects are detected The rates reached 86.7%, 93.3%, and 90% respectively. It also shows that the array hot-air excitation infrared detection method can effectively detect the crack defects in the blades of the aeroengine.

Copyright © 《Infrared Technology》Editorial Office京ICP备000000000号-1

Supported by: Beijing Renhe Information Technology Co. Ltd