Overview
The Versatile Spectro-Radiometer (VSR™) represents the cutting-edge in infrared spectroradiometry, combining advanced Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) technology with robust, user-friendly design. The VSR™ is engineered to deliver superior performance in a variety of demanding environments, including laboratory research, fieldwork, and airborne operations. Its compact form factor and rugged construction make it ideal for use in harsh conditions, ensuring reliable data collection even under significant vibrational stress.
Advanced FT-IR Technology
At the heart of the VSR™ is its FT-IR technology, which sets it apart from traditional filter-based or dispersive instruments. FT-IR technology captures more photons, enhancing sensitivity and allowing for detailed spectral analysis across a wide range of infrared wavelengths. This makes the VSR™ exceptionally capable in detecting and analyzing low-intensity emissions, which are critical in various scientific and industrial applications.
High-Speed, High-Resolution Measurements
The VSR™ offers unmatched spectral resolution, achieving up to 1 cm^-1, which allows for precise identification of chemical compounds and materials based on their infrared signatures. It supports a broad spectral range from 500 to 11,111 cm^-1 (0.9 to 20 μm), providing comprehensive spectral data essential for accurate analysis. The instrument’s high-speed scanning capability, with a measurement rate of up to 125 spectra per second, ensures that both fast and slow phenomena can be captured in real-time.
Robust and Versatile Design
Designed for versatility, the VSR™ features interchangeable telescope options that enable users to customize the field of view (FOV) without requiring optical realignment. This adaptability ensures that the VSR™ can be tailored to specific application needs, whether it’s broad field monitoring or narrow field target analysis. The sealed interferometer module and cryogen-free cold reference sources enhance the instrument’s durability and stability, making it suitable for long-term deployments in challenging environments.
Comprehensive Software Suite
The VSR™ is equipped with the EDGAR™ and Anneth™ software suites, providing powerful tools for data acquisition, processing, and analysis. These software packages facilitate real-time radiometric calibration, ensuring that data is accurate and reliable. The EDGAR™ software supports a variety of industry-standard formats, including Matlab™, NETCDF, and binary formats, allowing for seamless integration with existing workflows. Remote connectivity via TCPIP enables users to control the instrument and access data from anywhere in the world, enhancing operational flexibility.
Extensive Housekeeping and Remote Diagnostics
To ensure optimal performance and longevity, the VSR™ includes extensive housekeeping data recording, monitoring key parameters such as temperature and voltages. This data can be accessed remotely, allowing LR Tech experts to perform health diagnostics and provide support in real-time. This feature is particularly valuable for field operations, where quick troubleshooting and maintenance can significantly reduce downtime.
Wide Range of Applications
The VSR™ is designed to meet the needs of a wide range of applications. In military target analysis, it excels in measuring and characterizing infrared signatures of various targets, including aircraft and decoy flares. Its high sensitivity and resolution make it ideal for atmospheric sounding, enabling detailed analysis of atmospheric components. The VSR™ is also used in scientific research for studying material properties, emissions, and other phenomena requiring precise infrared measurements.
Field-Proven Reliability
Over the years, the VSR™ has been deployed in numerous field operations, demonstrating its reliability and robustness. Whether it’s mounted on airborne platforms for atmospheric studies or used in ground-based setups for environmental monitoring, the VSR™ consistently delivers high-quality data. Its rugged design and advanced features make it a trusted instrument for researchers and professionals worldwide.
Future-Ready and Expandable
The VSR™ is designed with future expansions in mind. Its modular design allows for easy upgrades and integration of new technologies, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of infrared spectroradiometry. As new challenges and applications emerge, the VSR™ can be adapted and enhanced to meet these demands, providing a long-term solution for infrared measurement needs.
In summary, the VSR™ Versatile Spectro-Radiometer is a state-of-the-art instrument that combines advanced FT-IR technology with a robust and versatile design. Its high sensitivity, wide spectral range, and comprehensive software support make it an ideal choice for a variety of applications, from military target analysis to atmospheric research. With its proven reliability and future-ready capabilities, the VSR™ stands as a leader in the field of infrared spectroradiometry.
Application Examples
The VSR™ is capable of measuring electromagnetic energy emitted or reflected by an object, providing crucial insights into its temperature, chemical constituents, and the intervening environment. This capability is essential for:
- Military Target Signature Analysis: Including rocket plume studies and fast phenomena analysis.
- Atmospheric Sounding: Characterizing and identifying atmospheric components.
- Target Characterization and Identification: Determining chemical and physical properties of targets.
- Signature Suppression Studies: Understanding and mitigating target visibility.
Highlights
- High Sensitivity: Enhanced photon capture ensures superior performance in detecting low-intensity emissions.
- Cryogen-Free Operation: Equipped with high-emissivity cold reference sources, the VSR™ offers rock-solid stability without the need for cryogens.
- High-Speed, Robust Operation: Capable of withstanding adverse environmental conditions, including vibrations, making it suitable for field and airborne applications.
- Flexible Telescope Options: Interchangeable telescopes with no need for optical realignment, providing adaptable fields of view.
- Comprehensive Software Suite: Includes EDGAR™ and Anneth™ software for real-time radiometric calibration and data validation.
- Wide Spectral Range: Covers 500 to 11,111 cm^-1 (0.9 to 20 μm), ensuring extensive spectral data collection.
- High Spectral Resolution: Achieves up to 1 cm^-1 spectral resolution, allowing for detailed analysis of complex spectral signatures.
- User-Friendly Design: Features remote control capabilities and extensive housekeeping data recording for easy operation and maintenance.
Technical Specifications
Optical Specifications:
- Spectral Range: 500 to 11,111 cm^-1 (0.9 to 20 μm)
- Spectral Resolution: 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128 cm^-1 (computer selectable)
- Field of View (FOV):
- 80 mrad (Wide FOV telescope, 0.5x magnification)
- 25 mrad (Medium FOV telescope, 2x magnification)
- 5 mrad (Narrow FOV telescope, 7x magnification)
Radiometric Specifications:
- Noise Equivalent Spectral Radiance (NESR):
- 2.5 x 10^-9 W/sr/cm^2/cm^-1 at 1300 cm^-1
- 2.5 x 10^-10 W/sr/cm^2/cm^-1 at 2000 cm^-1
- 3 x 10^-11 W/sr/cm^2/cm^-1 at 6300 cm^-1
- Measurement Rate: 1 to 125 spectra/s
Operational Specifications:
- Dimensions: 36 x 41 x 30 cm
- Weight: < 23 kg (without telescope)
- Power Consumption: < 45 W
- Operating Temperature: -20 to 40 °C
- Humidity: 0 to 90% (non-condensing)
- Vibration: ≤ 1 G (RMS) over 5-500Hz
- Shock: ≤ 6 G during 10 ms
Additional Features:
- Boresight Video Camera
- Interchangeable FOV Options
- Real-Time Radiometric Calibration
- Remote Connection via TCPIP
- Ruggedized Field Computer
- Tripod and Transport Cases
