Performance Optimization Of The B I S Optical System

The Boeing Infrared Sensor (BIRS) calibration facility represents a major capital investment by the Boeing Company in optical and infrared technology. It was designed and built for the calibration and test of large aperture LWIR sensors and seekers, as well as for other emerging technological requirements. Calibration is done with either a fixed or scanning beam which has been radiometrically characterized. Presently, the system is configured for endoatmospheric c ibration with a highly uniform background field which can be set com ensurate with expected sensor ission background levels. During calibration, the sensor under test resides in an environmental chamber which simulates mission ambient conditions.