Title of Paper: Application of Uncooled IR Array Detector with
the Compact Visible and Infrared Imagining Radiometer
Principal Author: Dr. James Spinhirne
Abstract: The use of uncooled microbolometer infrared array
detectors for space imaging was first applied in the Infrared Spectral Imaging
Radiometer (ISIR) hitchhiker experiment on STS-85. Results demonstrated that
spectral imaging with uncooled infrared detectors could meet science
requirements for ¼ km resolution cloud and surface imaging. Array imaging has
the added benefit that both spectral and angular radiance information may be
applied. Uncooled IR imaging has the potential for smaller, lower cost and
higher performance imaging radiometers for some applications. The Compact
Visible and Infrared Radiometer (COVIR) has been developed under the IIP
program as an engineering model of an operational multispectral imaging
radiometer for small satellite missions. The goals of the effort are to develop
an imager that satisfies the radiometric demands of typical earth observations
while providing a compact and low cost instrument. Commercially available
component are employed to minimize development effort. A description of the
COVIR instrument, its operation and performance are given.