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Space imagers are a fast growing group of high-end electro-optical imaging systems. They can be treated as a special type of long range imagers. Great majority of space imagers are VIS-NIR cameras sensitive in visible and near infrared range.However, space imagers in form of SWIR imagers or thermal imagers (mostly MWIR imagers) are becoming increasingly popular, too.

Space imagers are imagers intended to work in space at extreme conditions: 1)vacuum, 2)extreme temperatures. Therefore Inframet offers test systems for three test levels:

Level 1 – high-end versions of Inframet typical systems for testing electro-optical imagers ( VIS-NIR cameras, SWIR imagers, thermal imagers) at laboratory/cleanroom conditions.

Level 2 – systems for testing EO systems at temperature chambers built as a systems composed from a Level 1 test system and a special translucent temperature chamber where the tested imager is inserted.

Level 3 - systems for testing EO systems at temperature chambers (very special and rarely built customized image projectors capable to work both at vacuum and at extreme temperatures without noticeable degradation of image quality of projected image).

High-end versions of TVT systems for testing VIS-NIR cameras (detail data sheet of typical TVT systems at VIS-NIR cameras) are the most popular systems manufactured by Inframet for Level 1 tests of space imagers.

1. There are six main modifications of TVT systems for space applications comparing to typical TVT systems:
   Improved manufacturing accuracy of mirror used for off axis reflective collimators: collimators of highest XR grade needed to assure ultra high quality of projected images,

2. Improved accuracy of infinity focusing (critical parameter for testing non-focusing space imagers of long focal length)

3. Optional folded design with additional flat mirror located at collimator output at 45 degree relative to collimator axis. This folded design enables to test space imagers looking down as in real work condition)

4. Variable spectrum light source that enable regulation of spectrum of emitted light (critical for remote sensing applications).

5. Test system and tested camera are located at near perfect anti-vibration platform capable to eliminate influence of mechanical vibrations present in room on captured images.

6. TVT system is optimized for use at cleanroom conditions (different levels of cleanroom compatibility are possible: see Cleanroom systems)

Systems for Level 1 tests are serial production products. Systems for Level 1/Level 2 test are customized test systems made only on special orders. More typical blocks of test systems (vacuum blackbodies) are presented at vacuum chamber

Inframet can offer also optional service of testing space imagers both at laboratory conditions or at extreme temperatures.

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