Performance parameters for thermal imaging systems

Abstract

Over the last few years we have been asked what typical performance characteristics should be considered while buying a thermal imaging system. The question set us thinking why such queries should arise, especially for IR systems. It is well known that for the last thirty years, there has been rapid advance in the capabilities of IR systems owing to the developments in the field of sensors, electronics, optics, instrumentation and computers. A survey of literature indicated that the terminologies used to define thermal imaging systems had also become quite complex, being borrowed from many fields such as electronics, physics, instrumentation, optics etc. This 'Back to Basics' article presents a brief but wide-ranging description of some of the important parameters used in the selection and characterisation of the performance of IR systems. A comprehension of the meaning and implications of these performance parameters is not only required for selecting appropriate equipment but it is also essential to understand the systems' capability and judiciously exploiting its full potential.