Calibration of a mid-IR optical emission spectrometer with a 256-array PbSe detector and an absolute spectral analysis of IR signatures

A mid-IR (MWIR) optical emission spectrometer (OES) was designed and constructed to detect the absolute spectral radiant exitance of IR signatures. A 256-array PbSe detector was adopted to analyze the MWIR emission spectrum. Various IR signatures from two flame sources were examined in order to evaluate the performance of the OES and verify its usefulness for low observable technology. The absolute emissions of their IR signatures were calculated and the amount of each emission was compared. The spectral response of the OES in the MWIR range was calibrated using a directly heated graphite blackbody; in addition, the total uncertainty of the OES was determined to be 5.24%.

► Calibration of a mid-IR optical emission spectrometer measuring the absolute spectral radiant exitance were performed. ► Comparison of the modeling results and emission spectrum data with arbitrary units gave the calibration functions. ► The total absolute amount of emission and the absolute spectral irradiance of those molecules were measured. ► A total 2σ uncertainty of 5.24% is inherent in this mid-IR optical emission spectrometer.