Performance parameters of quantitative cameras

The Infrared Handbook (The Environmental Research Institute of Michigan, 1985) provides an extensive table of terms and definitions (Sec. 19.1.2) and a list of specimen specifications (Sec. 19.4.1). The section of the handbook covering IR imaging systems does not, however, deal with the imager as a quantitative measurement instrument, so the performance parameters related with temperature measurement must be added. From the user s point of view, some simplifications can be made which result in some acceptable approximations. Bearing these qualifications in mind, the following definitions of the key performance parameters of IR quantitative cameras are offered  

For thermal viewers, parameters relating to temperature range are only applicable in the broadest sense absolute accuracy and stability parameters are not applicable MRT is applicable only as an approximation since stability cannot be assured IFOVmeas is not applicable. 

Secondary features such as field uniformily and spatial distortion are design parameters, and are assumed to be handled by responsible manufacturers. 

A discussion of the significant performance parameters (figures of merit) of IR cameras follows. 

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