Development of a System for Automated Finding and Tracking of Thermal Objects

The presented paper describes the results of an applied research, the aim of which was to develop an optimum configuration of an optical system capable to detect and track thermal objects situated at 0.5 ... 10 m from a point of sight. In the course of the development of the design of the system we reviewed components from various producers, carried out selective comparisons of them and chose the most suitable for the achievement of the goal of the research. During the study we developed an optical scheme of infrared module and an objective consisting of germanium-made lenses. On the basis of the optical scheme we developed the design of the optical module with the combined optical system with an infrared detector of optical channel combined with an image detector in visible spectrum, as well as selected the material of the body taking into account the decrease of the weight of the system. In the course of the study it was decided to include an automatic focusing mechanism for the infrared objective and to measure focal length using a range finder. The study discusses advantages and disadvantages of the most widely spread types of range finders; the most suitable range finder was selected according to the set goal of the research. In addition, the paper discusses a problem of selection of a vacuum pump for the decrease of molecular heat exchange. The breadboard construction obtained in the result of the study represents a finished module and allows to install it on any base.