Advancing hardware-in-the-loop infrared testing with high-speed, high-resolution scene projection technologies designed for next-generation sensing systems.
IRSP: Infrared Scene Projection
Modern infrared systems operate in fast-changing environments that are increasingly difficult to replicate with existing test technologies. Traditional infrared scene projectors are limited in both speed and resolution, making it challenging to accurately simulate the dynamic conditions encountered by high-speed platforms such as missiles, seekers, and aircraft. These legacy systems also struggle to represent low-temperature backgrounds and are difficult to scale as testing requirements continue to evolve. As a result, there is a growing need for advanced infrared projection technologies that can provide more realistic and representative test environments.
CFD Research is addressing this challenge through advanced infrared scene projection technologies that improve simulation realism while increasing speed, resolution, and scalability. These capabilities help customers create more representative test environments for evaluating next-generation sensors and mission systems.
High-Speed Performance
Unlike traditional thermal-based systems, this technology uses a photonic color-conversion approach that enables dramatically faster response times. The result is near-instantaneous scene transitions and validated operation at frequencies exceeding 3 kHz, allowing realistic simulation of rapidly changing environments. Because the system does not rely on heating and cooling cycles, it eliminates thermal gradients and pixel cross-talk, maintaining high image contrast even during dynamic scene updates.
High Resolution Imaging
Unlike traditional infrared projection systems that rely on fixed pixel arrays, the photonic screen is continuous, allowing image resolution to be determined by the projection source rather than the screen itself. When paired with a high-definition projection engine, the system can support 4K-resolution hardware-in-the-loop simulations, enabling greater scene fidelity and target realism.
Rear-Illuminated Architecture
CFD Research has developed one of the first “Rear-illuminated Color-converted screen” technologies. This rear-illuminated configuration provides seamless collimator accessibility, allowing the projected scene to fully fill the aperture of the test sensor without obstructing the optical path. The result is a more flexible and efficient test setup for a wide range of sensor evaluation applications.
Scalable and Adaptable Design
The screen leverages mature semiconductor deposition techniques to create continuous projection areas that can be significantly larger than traditional array-based technologies. This approach provides the flexibility to support custom screen sizes and oversized hardware-in-the-loop test environments while maintaining consistent performance across the projection surface.
Rapid Manufacturing and Deployment
By utilizing established deposition processes and readily available materials, the technology simplifies manufacturing and reduces supply chain constraints. Designed for integration into existing hardware-in-the-loop test benches, systems can be deployed quickly with expected manufacturing lead times of less than three months—substantially faster than the 12 to 18 months often required for legacy technologies.
