Characterization of two color mid-infrared measurements

Two-color mid-infrared background measurements of terrain were completed in the fan of 1997. The data was collected using a 256x256 InSb sensor with optimized two color filter wheel integrated with the optics. This configuration allowed, the collection of temporally correlated, radiometrically calibrated data in two spectral bands that was compared to background imagery taken with a different sensor in the summer of 1996. The data collections were taken from a modified Cessna 172 at medium and low altitudes. The new sensor possesses higher spatial resolution, greater sensitivity, larger field of regard, and optimized spectral bands to provide excellent capability for collection of meaningful phenomenological data The data was analyzed to assess the new inter-band correlation and compared to collections made last year with an earlier sensor. Analysis of the collected data using embedded targets was accomplished in order to characterize the discrimination potential of the modified bands.