Multimodal image processing for characterizing high-temperature thermo-optical impact on imaging performance

In this paper, we study the thermo-optical impact of a window on the imaging performance of electro-optical (EO) and infrared (IR) multi-sensors. For demonstration, high-temperature imaging experiment was performed with a broadband EO/IR window heated up to 650°C and the EO/IR multi-cameras were used to capture a blackbody target radiation through the heated window. Both EO/IR cameras captured out-of-focus images as the window was heated at 400°C or above. Image processing technique was performed to extract the thermo-optical spread patterns from impacted images. Results show the significant impact on EO/IR imaging performance as compared to the original unaffected images.