System and method for creating a collimated space for a high fidelity simulator

A system for simulating an IR signature of an object for the purpose of testing an IR detection device with a given field of view, said system comprising:

• a mount for holding said IR detection device in a testing position;
• at least one infrared LED display that contains only infrared LEDs, wherein said infrared LEDs are selectively controlled to emit said IR signature;
• and
• a collimator positioned to collimate and direct said IR signature toward said testing position wherein said IR signature fills said field of view of said IR detection device, and wherein said collimator is a given distance from said testing position, wherein said collimator is a reflector that follows a parabolic curvature and has a reflection focal point that aligns with an emission focal point of said single curved display.

A method of simulating an infrared signature for the purpose of testing an IR detection device with a field of view, said system comprising:

• providing an infrared LED display that contains only infrared LEDs;
• providing a reflector;
• selectively controlling said infrared LED display to emit said infrared signature;
• and
• directing said infrared signature toward said reflector, wherein said reflector collimates and reflects said infrared signature toward said IR detection device filling said field of view of said IR detection device with said infrared signature as a collimated signal.