Automated intensifier tube measuring system

Abstract

Image Intensifier Tube (IIT) technology remains a critical component of the warfighter's arsenal. However, even after six decades of fielded systems most IIT inspections are accomplished relying on human judgment and round-robin calibration techniques. We report on the Automated Intensifier Measurement System (AIMS), a NIST-traceable, calibratable, machine vision system developed to produce automated, quantifiable, reproducible results on eight of the major IIT inspections: (1) Useful Diameter, (2) Modulation Transfer Function, (3) Gross Distortion, (4) Shear Distortion, (5) Bright Spot, (6) Dark Spot, (7) Gain and (8) Uniformity. The overall architecture of the system and a description of the algorithms required for each test is presented. Translation from the anthropocentric MIL-PRF-A3256363D(CR) OMNI VII Military Specification to measurable quantities (with appropriate uncertainties) is described. The NIST-traceable system uncertainties associated with each measurement is reported; in all cases AIMS measures quantities associated with the above tests to more precision than current industry practice. Issues with the current industry standard equipment and testing methods are also identified. Future work, which will include additional inspections, is discussed.