Sectoral thermal emitter for testing of modern IR systems

• We present multi-sector stable IR grey body emitter concept.
• The emitter offers unique capabilities to control a thermal contrast.
• We introduce theoretical model and technology used to create the emitter.
• We introduce construction and testing results of the emitter.
• The emitter is useful tool for testing of all kinds of infrared devices.

The paper presents multi-sector stable IR grey body radiation source, that can be used for testing of MRT. Its main element is monolithic metal plate with a test pattern, made of material with high thermal conductivity. On the surface of the test plate the sectors of different emissivity are created during manufacturing process. As a result when viewed by a thermal camera those sectors exhibit thermal contrast depending mainly on the radiative properties of each sector. The value of thermal contrast between particular sectors can be adjusted by changing the temperature of a test plate with respect to ambient. The emissivity values of particular sectors have been calculated and the procedure of adjusting the thermal contrast has been described, as well as the technology used to create the test plate. The model of described emitter has been tested and the results of temperature values obtained from thermal camera were compared with theoretical, calculated figures. The proposed emitter is dedicated for testing and calibrating of modern observations IR systems.