Abstract: A pyrometric measurement method and a multi-channel pyrometer for determining the temperature T.sub.o of surfaces with different emissivities by measuring the spectral signal voltages U.sub.j at j=1 to n effective wavelengths. The invention obtains, by infrared measurements at at least two effective wavelengths, information concerning the object temperature and the emissivity relationships actually existing for selected surface materials, such as those which are typical for a user. The spectral signal voltages U.sub.ij are ascertained as a function of the difference U.sub.oj -U.sub.uj for a discrete number i=1 to n of surface materials differing in emissivity and the hypothetically possible spectral voltages U.sub.oij and, from these, the probable object temperature T.sub.o and the probable applicable surface material are determined from the measured spectral signal voltages U.sub.j, using the functional relationship that has been established for each emissivity .epsilon..sub.ij.

Abstract: A laser thermal testing method and system for use in testing a fire alarm system which has a plurality of heat-sensors which are remotely distributed throughout a protected area. The laser thermal testing system includes a first laser and a second laser. The first laser generates an aiming beam of coherent electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum. The laser thermal testing system also includes a movable reflector which reflects the aiming beam. The movable reflector is optically coupled to the first laser. The movable reflector is first moved in order to align the aiming beam in an aligned position so that the aiming beam is reflected onto one of the heat-sensors. The movable reflector is then fixedly secured in the aligned position. The second laser generates a heating beam of coherent electromagnetic radiation in the infrared spectrum.

Abstract: A method for the contactless measuring of the temperature of objects with a hanging proportion of differently emitting surfaces having the same temperature by means of a multi-channel pyrometer, for example, for pyrometric measurements, on which there are different amounts of residues of the material to be processed. The spectral signal voltages U.sub.ij are ascertained as a function of the difference U.sub.oj -U.sub.uj for the i=1 to m surfaces of the object differing in emissivity, at least m spectral signal voltages U.sub.j are measured and the object temperature is determined from the additive superimposition of the m radiation sources in the measurement location.

Abstract: A hand held probe unit has an infrared sensitive thermopile mounted in a metal housing kept at a constant reference temperature by a regulator circuit. A waveguide tube, surrounded by a thermally insulative probe, directs infrared emissions to the thermopile. The thermopile and regulator circuit of the probe unit are electrically connected to processing circuitry in a chopper unit. Prior to taking a patient's temperature, the probe unit is mated with the chopper unit so that the thermopile detects infrared emissions from a reference target which is also kept at a constant reference temperature by another regulator circuit. The processing circuitry repeatedly acquires the output level of the thermopile and stores calibration data. The probe unit is then removed from the chopper unit, the probe is covered with an IR transparent, disposable speculum, and is inserted in the patient's external ear canal.

Abstract: Calorimeter for measuring the energy transported by radiation. This calorimeter comprises an absorbing element able to absorb radiation and having an outer face exposed to the radiation and an inner face, said element undergoing a temperature rise during the interaction with the radiation. This temperature rise is measured by a thermopile. The calorimeter also comprises calibration means constituted by a strip-like resistive deposit in direct contact with the inner face of the absorbing element over at least 50% of the surface thereof. Application to the measurement of the energy transported by electromagnetic radiation or a particle flux.

Abstract: An array of target elements having emissivity and reflectivity properties variable in accordance with a data processing simulation of the electromagnetic signature of a target and target terrain suitable for evaluating the tracking capabilities of an active/passive millimeter wave target seeker.

Abstract: A thermal test pattern comprises motifs of a material having a high thermal emissivity which are provided on one side of a flat substrate. The substrate has a low thermal emissivity. The other side of the substrate is covered with a layer of a material having a high electrical resistivity which is provided between two conductive connection strips. The motifs and connection strips and resistive layer may be deposited by silk screening. Due to the differences in thermal emissivity, a temperature difference occurs between the substrate and the motifs, the motifs being colder, when the substrate is heated by passing an electric current through the resistive layer.

Abstract: A camera contains a row of diodes sensitive to infrared radiation and mounted on a turntable for rotation about the optical axis of the camera. The signals from the diodes provide a temperature profile of a band across the width of a strip of hot rolled steel moving in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis and to the length of the row of diodes. Since the diodes are low accuracy devices, their measurements are compensated by normalizing co-efficients derived by comparison with the signal provided by an optical pyrometer viewing the central part of the steel strip in the region of the optical axis. To enable all diodes to be calibrated, calibration is effected with the turntable rotated 90.degree. to align all the diodes with the central part of the strip as viewed by the pyrometer. The camera may be mounted on one arm of a C-frame having X-ray tubes in an arm and X-ray detectors in the other arm for the purpose of measuring the thickness profile of the strip in known way.

Abstract: A thermal reference source which includes a blackbody element and which is capable of being either heated or cooled based on a measured temperature of a scene of interest of an infrared system.

Abstract: Apparatus for calibrating and testing infrared detection devices is provided. The apparatus comprises a substrate which supports a target pattern of dielectric material which is at least partially absorbing to infrared radiation. A heater is used to supply heat to the substrate. Since the substrate and dielectric material have different emissivities, an apparent temperature difference is perceived by an IR detection device. As a consequence, temperature differences as low as about 0.02.degree. C. and below can be generated for calibrating and testing IR imaging devices.