Infrared (IR) applications have increased dramatically over the last decade as arrays of infrared detectors have increased in size, performance, and availability. For over 40 years, this internationally renowned course covering the field of infrared technology has served as an ideal primer for individuals wishing an intensive exposure to current thinking as well as an update for those seeking to review and refresh their knowledge. From a review of basic infrared detection methods, to an introduction to advanced focal planes and systems, instruction is geared to allow participants to immediately apply what they have learned. The course features infrared devices for military and commercial use—including both cooled and uncooled detectors.

Course Approach

Since learning is enhanced by hands-on experience, this course offers a rare balance between classroom learning and laboratory experiments with infrared devices. There are three laboratory sessions that coordinate with lecture/discussion sessions: infrared detectors, focal plane electronics, and infrared systems. After an introduction to infrared radiation, device evaluation, and detectors, participants put theory into practice in a unique infrared laboratory where they measure fundamental properties of infrared detectors. Focal plane electronics are likewise introduced in the classroom before the lab experience of building simple circuits. Finally, the theory of infrared systems is coupled with a hands-on demonstration of modern infrared cameras representing a broad spectrum of commercial systems.

Faculty

Instructors for the lecture sessions are leaders in the infrared industry and active in the latest developments in the field. These instructors, along with Prof. Nadir Dagli of UC Santa Barbara, coach small groups of course participants in the laboratory. A barbecue on the first night provides a relaxing environment for participants to interact with the faculty in an informal setting and to network with others attending the course.

Who Attends

In recent years, participants have included:

• Government personnel active in using or developing infrared devices
• Managers of IR projects
• Users and potential users of IR equipment
• Technical personnel broadening their knowledge of IR
• Anyone getting started in the field of Infrared

Course Satisfaction

Here is how the participants rated last year’s course:

• 97% rated the program good or excellent
• 95% would recommend this course to co-workers and colleagues

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Course Organization

Each day of the five-day course introduces new concepts while reviewing and reinforcing previous material. The first day covers the basics of infrared, from terminology to phenomenology. The second day, Detectors, leads off with a morning lecture that describes how infrared radiation is converted into electronic signals and includes the latest developments in the field. The afternoon is a hands-on laboratory session that demonstrates the detector concepts. The third day, Focal Plane Electronics, covers readout circuits and multiplexers.

A combination of lecture and hands-on laboratory is again used to connect theory with practice.

Day four covers testing of infrared focal planes and systems with a special discussion on Readout Circuit designs for space-based focal plane arrays. The lab activity on this day is “test driving” thermal imaging systems and other infrared equipment.

Local infrared detector manufacturers offer tours of their facilities as an off-campus activity. The fifth and last day is Systems Day when the components discussed during the previous days are brought together into infrared systems and sensors.

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