Real-Time Characterization Of Smoke Candles Using Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging

The development of efficient countermeasure devices is a challenging task for intelligence agencies. Flares and smoke candles are versatile devices which can be used for different purposes including protection of soldiers, positioning, rescue, communication, decoys, and screening agents. Their optimal design resides in an accurate mixture of the different chemicals involved in its combustion. Some of these chemicals  are infrared-active species which can be observed using thermal imaging. Infrared hyperspectral imaging brings this approach to another level as it adds a spectral dimension to the infrared images. The Telops Hyper-Cam is a standoff infrared hyperspectral sensor which can be used to selectively identify numerous compounds based on their unique spectral signature. However, processing of hyperspectral data may turn out to be a demanding task as it requires advanced knowledge about signal processing and detection algorithms. Reveal D&l, a real-time gas detection and identification software developed by Telops, takes full advantage of the rich information provided by hyperspectral imaging. It provides rapid feedback during field experiments as it allows reaI—time visualization of multiple gases simultaneously. In order to illustrate the usefulness of this tool, it was used to characterize gaseous emissions of smoke candles in field trials carried out by the Military University of Technology in Poland.