Tabletop degraded visual environment chambers for passive imaging

Imaging through degraded visual environments (DVEs), such as smoke, fog, and dust, poses significant challenges for using optical and infrared imaging systems. This study evaluates imaging performance degradation across six spectral bands: visible (VIS), near-infrared (NIR), short-wave infrared (SWIR), extended SWIR (eSWIR), mid-wave infrared (MWIR), and long-wave infrared (LWIR). Tabletop environmental chambers were developed to produce controlled DVE conditions for repeatable, small-scale testing. While previous studies have investigated DVEs and small-scale chambers, they often focus on transmission, limited spectral bands, or do not isolate key performance factors. This study focuses specifically on key imaging performance factors, including resolution, sensitivity, and task performance. Performance is assessed using modulation transfer function (MTF), contrast, and targeting task performance (TTP) metrics, with particular focus on long-range targeting and pilotage applications. Results provide an analysis of spectral performance under degraded conditions and offer insights for selecting optimal passive imaging bands in operationally degraded settings.