2 Unknown thermal camera assemblys - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: angelortega
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 19, 2023, 06:22:24 pm
content: Does any one have an idea what they are, they look to me like some kind of cooled camera-optical-lens ,there is a larger germanium lens that look like it maybe a double concave lens for an input window and a smaller germanium output window, witch looks to be where the camera mounts to. In has 12 contact pins in two by two sets,it also has what looks like a small screw in cooling connector ,with a larger outer sleeve for insulation of the coollant line.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 19, 2023, 08:34:22 pm
content: They look like the scanning mirror assemblies from a modular thermal camera as used in military applications.Fraser

author: angelortega
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 19, 2023, 10:01:02 pm
content: Thanks fraser, I have two so I will open up the one with the low-res numbers on it to see what's inside,the other I will keep as is to see if I can get it working after seeing what each pin controls thank you

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 19, 2023, 10:39:40 pm
content: If it is is scanning assembly, it will likely have been used with something like a cooled Sprite detector or a fully cooled (77K) detector. Some scanning assemblies use two mirrors whilst others use a single mirror combined with a linear detector array. I have shown such camera designs on this forum. Look for AGEMA 450, AGEMA 470 and AGEMA 510 in this area of the forum. The lenses will be coated for the band of the detector and that is often MWIR so the lenses may, or may not be useable with a LWIR microbolometer.If you have an interest in scanning type thermal imaging systems I will see what I can dig up on them for you. They came before FPA’s when it was easier to produce a single detector pixel or a linear array of them, as found in the AGEMA 510.Building a complete thermal camera based upon a scanning assembly is quite the task so do consider the complexity and cost of such before embarking on that adventure.Fraser

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 19, 2023, 11:06:49 pm
content: Regarding electrical connectivity to a scanning assembly…. You will normally find power feeds to the galvanometers or motors, mirror position sensors, miniature black body references and possibly temperature sensors as Germanium changes its transmission figures with changes in temperature. The scanning assembly interior can be either at atmospheric pressure or a partial vacuum.Fraser

author: angelortega
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 25, 2023, 12:08:14 am
content: Fraser You are right a great looking galvo assembly, in pictures 5 and 6 you can see the back of the sensor,in picture 9 on the right the square emitter window on the left two sensors to compare the light from the emitter for centering. there are no labels of the maker on the galvo assemmbly. I used my flir quark2 camera to see and it a lwir assembly and large front lens is doubled concaved lens. Thanks you

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 25, 2023, 05:39:21 am
content: Be aware that the aluminium mirror faces will corrode if left in a damp or humid atmosphere.Fraser

author: angelortega
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 25, 2023, 03:14:03 pm
content: Thanks