Modulation transfer function degradation of thermal imaging systems due to platform-induced blurs

The resolution of an infrared system is described by its modulation transfer function (MTF). This metric is traditionally measured in the lab but can also be measured in the field. For sensor systems designed for deployment in the field, it is best to measure the MTF in the field under the conditions it is expected to perform. As it becomes more common to mount infrared sensors on aerial platforms, assessing performance becomes a more complex problem. When the sensor is mounted on a moving airborne platform, the performance of the system is expected to change and degrade. Factors such as mechanical vibrations, flight dynamics, and flight path motions contribute to this degradation. Each platform type, whether a single-rotor helicopter or a multi-rotor UAV, exhibits unique dynamics influencing MTF degradation differently. Special attention must also be placed on the mounting technique to avoid introducing additional vibrations and to dampen vibrations when necessary. The comparison of static and dynamic MTFs aids in the optimization of system design for specific aerial platforms and direct-mounted sensors, ensuring peak performance in operational settings.