Quality Control for Emissive Surfaces

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Quality Control for Emissive Surfaces (132.03 KB)

On a flat-plate infrared (IR) calibrator, the surface of the calibrator is the medium that is measured. Generally, this surface is painted. It is very important that this surface be in good condition. A number of checks can be performed to determine the quality of the surface. A visual check is always prudent, but there are other ways to check the quality of the painted surface. One method that has been employed to accomplish this function is to compare measured radiometric temperature and contact temperature.

This paper presents a set of measurements made on an existing product. Both radiometric and contact temperature measurements were made. An inference between emissivity and radiometric temperature is made, and the validity of this inference is shown. The steps taken to improve the quality of this product based on this data is also discussed. The reader of this paper will learn how to employ comparisons between contact and radiometric temperature measurements to verify the consistency of painted surfaces.