Thermal Imaging Cameras Characteristics and Performance

Preface: Thermal Imaging Cameras

Biography

Symbols and Abbreviations

An Introduction to Thermal Imaging

Aim of This Book

What Is Thermal Imaging?

Atmospheric Transmission

Choice of 3–5 µm or 8–12 µm

Important Factors in the Application of Thermal Imaging

Specifying and Measuring the Performance of a Thermal Imager

Thermal Imaging Cameras and Their Component Parts

A Basic Thermal Imager

Image-Forming Optical System

Windows for Thermal Imaging

Scanning Mechanisms

Radiation Detectors

Cooling Detectors

Special Signal Processing and Other Requirements

Displays

Computer and Software

References

Industrial and Commercial Thermal Imagers and the Facilities

They Provide

Introduction

Thermal Imagers That Measure Actual Temperature

Software Facilities for Industrial Applications

Thermal Imagers for Surveillance Types of Application

Imagers Used by Firefighters

Manufacturers’ Data Sheets

References

Performance Parameters for Components of a Thermal Imager

Introduction

Lenses

Detectors

Scanners

Displays

References

Performance Parameters for a Complete Thermal Imager

Introduction

Factors Affecting Performance

Performance Parameters

Frame Rates and Readout Timings

Other Factors

References

Basic Equipment for Testing and Calibrating at Thermal Wavelengths

Introduction

Radiation Sources

Infrared Detectors

Cooling Detectors

Optical Systems and Collimators

Integrating Spheres

Spectral Filters

References

Measurement Procedures and Techniques for the Principal

Components that Make Up a Thermal Imager

Introduction

General Measurement Procedures

Lenses and Optical Systems (see also Section 4.2)

Detectors and Detector Arrays

Scanners

Displays

References

Measurement Techniques and Procedures for Complete

Thermal Imagers

Introduction

MTF

Nyquist Limit

Aliasing

Signal Transfer Function (SiTF)

Noise-Equivalent Temperature Difference (NETD)

Minimum Resolvable Temperature Difference (MRTD)

Minimum Detectable Temperature Difference (MDTD)

Objective MRTD

Objective MDTD

Slit Response Function (SRF)

Aperture Response Function (ARF)

Temperature Measurement Performance Characteristics

Emissivity Range

Narcissus

Veiling Glare Index (VGI) and Uniformity Index (VGUI)

Scene Influence Factor (SIF)

Field of View (FOV)

Close Focus Distance

Spectral Response

References

Calibration and Alignment of Test Facilities

Introduction

Calibrating and Aligning a Collimator

Radiometric Characteristics

References

Applications of Thermal Imaging Cameras

Introduction

Industrial Applications

Advanced and Specialist Applications

Medical and Biological Applications

Military and Civil Surveillance and Other

Applications

References

Appendix A: Objective Measurement of MRTD and MDTD

Performance Parameters That Determine MRTD and MDTD

Theory for MRTD Measurement

Theory for MDTD Measurement

References

Appendix B: Sampled Imaging Systems and Aliasing

What Are Sampled Imaging Systems?

Image Formation by Sampled Imaging System

Basic Theory

Measures of Aliasing

MTF Measurements Techniques

References

Biography

Thomas Williams