Thermal MWIR/LWIR imager charaterization and camera testing
Thermal imager characterization: All you need to know
At HGH, our commitment to excellence drives us to provide our clients with unparalleled precision and reliability when it comes to the characterization of thermal imagers. We understand the vital importance of parameters such as Minimum Resolvable Thermal Difference (MRTD), Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference (NETD), Triangle Orientation Discrimination (TOD), spatial resolution, Modulation Transfer Function (MTF), Field of View (FOV), distortion, and uniformity in the realm of infrared technology. Leveraging cutting-edge equipment technology, we ensure that our clients receive trustworthy and dependable results, meeting the highest industry standards.
The Significance of Infrared Sensors
Infrared sensors, thermal imagers, play a pivotal role in modern electro-optical technology. These ingenious devices have the ability to convert thermal radiation into electrical signals, providing accurate temperature measurements. Their applications span across various sectors, including security and surveillance, as well as industrial non-contact thermal monitoring in the civilian sector. Whether it’s a simple pyrometer or a sophisticated infrared imaging system, the accuracy and reliability of these devices must be rigorously tested at multiple stages, including during development, manufacturing, commissioning, calibration, and field use.
Evaluating Thermal Imagers Performance
Thermal imager characterization involves a multifaceted approach, considering an array of parameters. Some of these key parameters include:
1. MRTD (Minimum Resolvable Thermal Difference)
MRTD is a critical metric that quantifies an infrared sensor’s ability to distinguish between small temperature differences, ultimately affecting its resolution.
2. NETD (Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference)
NETD is a measure of an infrared sensor’s sensitivity to temperature variations and is essential in assessing its capability to detect subtle thermal changes.
3. TOD (Triangle Orientation Discrimination)
TOD evaluates the sensor’s ability to discriminate between different orientations of triangular patterns, crucial for object identification and discrimination.
4. MTF (Modulation Transfer Function)
MTF assesses the sensor’s ability to reproduce image details accurately, impacting its overall image quality.
5. Spatial Resolution, FOV, Distortion, and Uniformity
These parameters collectively determine the sensor’s ability to capture and reproduce thermal images accurately, considering factors such as image clarity, field of view, and distortion.
Required Equipment for Thermal Imager Characterization:
HGH stands as a pioneer in the field, offering a comprehensive suite of equipment to meticulously evaluate IR systems with unparalleled reliability. Our offerings include:
Infrared Reference Sources – Blackbodies
Our infrared reference sources boast highly stabilized temperatures, ranging from a chilling -173°C to an astonishing +1200°C, ensuring precise and consistent test conditions.
> More information on IR Reference Sources
Standard Targets
We provide a diverse range of standard targets, available in various patterns and sizes, meticulously designed to facilitate standard measurements. Furthermore, HGH can accommodate specific requests for custom patterns to meet unique requirements.
> More information on Standard Targets
Off-Axis Collimators
Our extensive selection of off-axis collimators allows us to project test images of targets in front of blackbodies, providing the necessary setup for comprehensive testing.
> More information Collimators
Infratest: Your Turnkey Electro-Optical Test Software
To complement our exceptional equipment offerings, we provide Infratest—a turnkey electro-optical test software solution designed to streamline and simplify the evaluation process, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in your testing procedures.
At HGH, our unwavering commitment to precision and reliability in the evaluation of infrared sensors positions us as an industry leader. With state-of-the-art equipment and innovative software solutions, we empower our clients to achieve the highest standards of performance and quality in the field of infrared technology. Trust us to be your partner in ensuring the accuracy and dependability of your infrared systems, from development to deployment and beyond.
