Boresight is a process to align optical axis of single system or a series of optical or electro-optical systems with a certain reference optical axis or mechanical axis. It is typically required to achieve situation when all the axis are parallel. Quality of boresigh of EO imaging/laser systems is presented in form of a series of boresight errors understood as angles between optical/mechanical axis. Number of boresight errors vary from several errors for case of single-sensor imagers to over a dozen in case of multi-sensor imaging/laser systems (see Educational section).

Boresight is particularly critical in case of multi-sensor electro-optical surveillance systems built from three or more of EO systems like thermal imager, VNIR camera, SWIR camera, laser range finder,laser designator, and laser pointer. The aim of boresight of such imaging/laser is to achieve situation when optical axis of both imagers (line of sights) and laser systems (laser beams) are parallel. If such situation is achieved then alignment errors (angle between two optical axis) is equal to zero.

Inframet offers five stations (JAVI, JT, JIMS , JAT and JTAR) developed specifically for boresight of multi-sensor EO systems.

Fig. 1. JAVI150boresight system
Fig. 2. JT400 boresight station
Fig. 3. JIMS boresight station
Fig. 4. JAT200 mobile boresight station	Fig. 5. JTAR portable boresight station

It should be emphasized this table presents systems optimized for boresight of multi sensor EO systems. They can be additionally used for very basic tests of imaging systems (infinity focusing and measurement of resolution). Therefore when not only boresight but also extended testing of sensors of multi sensor EO systems is needed then more sophisticated and expensive systems like MS or MIM systems are recommended.

Learn more:

• Data sheets: JAVI, JT, JAT, JIMS, JTAR 
• Recommendations on environmental conditions for Inframet test systems
• Educational section
• Info section
• Newsletter
• Contact INFRAMET