Methods in calibration and error analysis for infrared imaging radiometers

Various methods for the calibration and error estimation of imaging radiometers are described. The methodologies are presented in the form of specific examples of the calibration of the Naval Research Laboratory's airborne infrared (IR) radiometric measurement system. Two imaging radiometers are part of this system and are used to perform radiometric measurements on a variety of targets and backgrounds over a spectral range of 3 to 12 μm. The calibration procedures for these radiometers are presented along with an extensive error analysis that examines in detail 16 different sources of error. Such an error analysis clearly illustrates the need for proper calibration procedures.