The effective radiation surface is a universal parameter for monitoring the optical visibility of objects in the infrared wavelength range

Abstract

Existing approaches to monitoring the visibility of objects in the infrared wavelength range rely on the use of radiation temperature, energy brightness and radiation strength of objects and background as measured parameters. There is a variability of these characteristics with the variety and variability of the external conditions of observation of the object and the background during the day and seasons, which leads to a significant error in the procedures for monitoring the visibility of objects in the infrared wavelength range. In order to improve the accuracy of monitoring the visibility of objects in the infrared wavelength range, the use of an additional characteristic (effective radiation surface) and derived characteristics of objects without internal sources and with internal sources of thermal energy is justified. The proposed characteristic has a linear relationship with the optical flux coming from the object to the observation medium, and reflects the relationship of the geometric (the area of the object in the direction of observation) and energy properties of the object with the capabilities of the means of observing objects on various backgrounds. The proposed characteristic retains its significance in a wide range of changes in external conditions during the day and seasons of the year. This makes it possible to increase the accuracy of procedures for monitoring the visibility of objects in the infrared wavelength range with the variety and variability of the external conditions of observation of the object and the background during the day and seasons. The effective radiation surface can be used to monitor the visibility of objects, as well as one of the unmasking features of objects.