Kathryn E Wald

US Patent:

20020185586, Dec 12, 2002

Filed:

Apr 2, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/114549

Inventors:

Robert Majewski - Tucson AZ, US
Kathryn Wald - Tucson AZ, US

International Classification:

H01L027/00

US Classification:

250/208100

Abstract:

A system for tuning an imaging sensor adapted for use with an electromagnetic imaging sensor having a focal plane array of detectors. The inventive system includes a target slide for providing a simulated far field target. A translation stage adjusts the position of the target slide relative to the imaging sensor. The sensor has a focal plane and a lens disposed between the array and the target slide. A computer connected to the imaging sensor measures an output of the focal plane array at each of a plurality of positions of the target slide. The computer provides a signal representative of an optimal distance between the lens and the array in response to the output of the focal plane array of the sensor. In the illustrative embodiment, an electromagnetic energy source, a collimator, and a slit target slide provide a first strip of collimated electromagnetic energy. A sensor lens directs the first strip of electromagnetic energy upon the focal plane array so that the first strip impinges diagonally across a plurality of detectors. An image capturing device captures image information corresponding to the first strip and subsequently adjusts the position of the slit target slide to provide a second strip of electromagnetic energy. The computer is connected to the image capturing device and determines distance that the focal plane array must be moved relative to the sensor lens to optimize the sensor's ability to focus objects in response to the captured image information corresponding to the first strip and the second strip.