Remote Sensing Dual-Band LWIR Thermometry Enhancements via Passive and Active Sensor Fusion

Accurate temperature estimation can be critical in remote sensing applications, particularly when dealing with unresolved objects, where the challenge of obtaining precise measurements is heightened due to the need for more assumptions. This paper introduces a novel method for enhancing temperature estimates by fusing data from passive and active long wave infrared (LWIR) sensors. Our approach effectively decouples band emissivity and area estimates, which are typically combined as emissivity-area estimates, thus, removing the need for more assumptions. Our fusion technique signif-icantly improves temperature accuracy and provides a more precise and informative characterization of thermal properties. Through simulations, we demonstrate the efficacy of our approach, which holds promise for enhancing the reliability and efficacy of infrared sensing systems in various remote sensing applications.