Spectroradiometric calibration of blackbody sources

Robert P. Madding

doi:10.1117/12.421014

23 March 2001 Spectroradiometric calibration of blackbody sources

Robert P. Madding

Proceedings Volume 4360, Thermosense XXIII; (2001) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.421014
Event: Aerospace/Defense Sensing, Simulation, and Controls, 2001, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

An IR camera responds to infrared radiant energy over a waveband determined by the camera optics and detector. Most cameras operate in either the 3 to 5 micrometers or 8 to 12 micrometers wavebands as they represent good atmospheric windows. Temperature measurement using these cameras is performed within the camera, which will correct for target emissivity and background temperatures. The algorithm that does this makes a key assumption: the target is a graybody source (constant emissivity over the waveband of the IR camera). To effect this calculation, modern infrared (IR) cameras are calibrated using blackbody sources. The calibration data set is stored in the camera firmware as a lookup table. To be accurate, blackbody sources must be graybodies with emissivities very close to one. The fact that there are no perfect blackbodies can be overcome as long as the emissivity is constant with wavelength. Spectroradiometric calibration of blackbody sources is the best way to ensure the radiant energy emanating from the source follows Planck's law over the waveband of the IR camera being calibrated (another way of saying graybody). At FLIR Systems, Inc. we used a CI Systems SR-5000 spectroradiometer to spectrally characterize 20 blackbody sources of various manufacturer and type.

Citation Download Citation

Robert P. Madding "Spectroradiometric calibration of blackbody sources", Proc. SPIE 4360, Thermosense XXIII, (23 March 2001); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.421014

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available