Abstract: A method and apparatus for characterizing and controlling the heat treatment of a metal alloy employing non-contact sensors selectively positioned to minimize the effects of background temperature contributions. The sensors monitor the temperature of the part being treated at a location that is remote from the surface that is being irradiated directly. In preferred embodiments, the surface where the temperature measurements are taken are located within a black body source. The collected temperature information is used to control the heat treatment of the metal alloy.