Calculation of infrared system operating distance by spectral bisection method

• We build an improved model for calculating the operating distance of infrared system.
• The calculation precise of the operating distance is increased by this method.
• Spectral atmospheric transmittance should be considered.
• Atmospheric environment drastically affects operating distance of infrared system.

During the transmission of infrared radiation, the atmospheric transmittance could be a complex parameter due to the absorbing and scattering of atmosphere, as well as the influences from the environment and transmission distance. With the help of a spectral bisection method, a new assessing formula and solution is raised by calculating the operating distance of infrared system. In the small segments, MODTRAN can be used to figure out the percentage of penetration, which is called by advanced program, so as to get the infrared radiation in those segments. The calculated data of the segments were summed up and used to calculate the operating distance of the infrared system. Compared with the conventional calculation methods that the transmittance was used as a constant or a average, The calculation precise of the operating distance is highly increased by this method the results of all small segments by comparing with the traditional methods. The whole computing process becomes more clear and effective by taking the influences from visibility of atmosphere, altitude, targets zenith angle and spatial frequency into consideration, and by building an instant monitoring system of the operating distance. The final computing result and real effecting distance are based on the general simulation for penetration rate and the tendency of operating distance in all conditions.