Radiant Contrast Target.

This invention relates generally to the field of electro-optical sensor testing and evaluation, and more particularly to the field of large area variable contrast targets useful for the evaluation of high resolution electro-optical sensors. Specifically, the present invention relates to passive radiant contrast targets for electro-optical sensor evaluation, and more particularly, for the calibration of infrared IR sensors. In accordance with the foregoing principles and objects of the present invention, a radiant contrast target is provided for operation as a passive target or which may be configured to emulate an active target for use in evaluation of high resolution electro-optical sensors. The target comprises a plurality of parallel mounted radiance panels which may be individually rotated to a desired reflective configuration to provide a cold passive target with respect to background radiation, or, when used as a reflector in conjunction with a radiation source, may provide hot active target emulation over a wide range of thermal contrasts.