Point-spread function and MTF characterization of the kinetic-kill-vehicle hardware-in-the-loop simulation (KHILS) infrared-laser scene projector

A Scophony Infrared Scene Projector (IRSP) is being used at Wright Laboratories Armament Directorate, Guided Interceptor Technology Branch, Eglin AFB, to evaluate thermal-imaging guidance systems. This hardware-in-the-loop testing system reduces the number of necessary field trials and has potential for in-laboratory simulation where the performance of entire seeker systems can be analyzed. The performance of an optical system, in terms of such characteristics as wavefront error, resolution, and transfer factor, can be measured with knowledge of the system MTF and PSF performance. A slow-scan calibration system was used to measure an image plane of the IRSP under three separate configurations of the system. MTFs and PSFs were derived for the IRSP without the use of the scatter screen, with the scatter screen in place, and with the scatter screen rotating.