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Abstract

An apparatus including an integrated circuit matrix of resistance elements for generating black body thermal images is used as a thermal radiation signal source in infrared apparatus testing and development. The matrix of thermal elements that have quasi-instantaneous temperature rise is controlled by computer program to produce multiple thermal images at locations over the field of view of a detector device or observation camera, and image motion can be simulated by computer program sequences. No transistors are used in the matrix thereby permitting very low cost and fast element heating (e.g., to 350K. in 0.2 .mu.sec from an 80K. cryogenic environment). A system including a cryogenic chamber enables the microcircuit matrix and an infrared CCD observation camera to output video frame and intensity data signals from a simulated cold environment for test of systems such as infrared guidance systems.

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First Claim