Abstract

Infrared (IR) Focal plane array (IRFPA) cameras are nowadays both, more accessible and with a broad variety in terms of detectors design. In many cases, the IRFPA characterization is not completely given by the manufacturer. In this paper a long wave 8-12 [?m] microbolometer IRFPA is characterized by means of calculating the Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference (NETD) and the Correctability performance parameters. The Correctability parameter has been evaluated by using a black body radiator and Two-Points calibration technique. Also, the Transfer Function of the microbolometer IR camera has been experimentally obtained as well as the NETD by the evaluation of radiometric data from a blackbody radiator. The obtained parameters are the key for any successful application of IR imaging pattern recognition. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.