Calibrating Infrared Detectors
© 1997 Robert Rathe Photography
The NIST Low Background Infrared Radiation Facility serves as the United States standard for infrared sources used to calibrate space-based detectors. The facility provides a controlled environment where all extraneous background heat radiation is eliminated. Here physicist Steven Lorentz tests electrical connections before conducting a measurement of the infrared radiation given off by sapphire at temperatures between 300 K to 1000 K. The measurements will help ensure accurate infrared readings by detectors aboard missiles that use high-strength sapphire windows.
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