Dependence of observed feature properties upon thermographic physical parameters

Factors bearing upon the resolution and thermal precision achievable in a thermographic imaging system are well known but related in a rather complex way. Among these are the detector dimensions, optical focal length and aperture, electronic sampling rate and acquisition aperture, and angular dependence of the object´s emissivity. A systematic examination of these parameters has been undertaken in order to evaluate the effect of resolution on the apparent temperature of small, high-contrast features and the significance of surface orientation in compromising accuracy of the thermal measurement.<>