Limits of radiometry

James M. Palmer

doi:10.1117/12.188678

17 October 1994 Limits of radiometry

James M. Palmer

Proceedings Volume 2269, Infrared Technology XX; (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.188678
Event: SPIE's 1994 International Symposium on Optics, Imaging, and Instrumentation, 1994, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

Radiometry, defined as the measurement of optical radiation, has its limits. Other disciplines can measure routinely with uncertainties of 1 part in 10⁶ (voltage), 1 part in 10⁸ (length) or even 1 part in 10¹² (frequency). Radiometric measurements in the laboratory have achieved 1 part in 10⁴, and we are usually overjoyed when field measurements approach 1 part in 100. The limits of uncertainty are discussed with regard to optical wavelength (broadband vs. monochromatic), radiant power, and frequency (modulation, pulse characteristics, etc.). Other limits are imposed by such diverse phenomena as instrumental linearity, polarization, atmospheric effects, diffraction, coherence, `phase of the moon,' and availability and suitability of appropriate standards. The uncertainties in field measurements are not closely related to laboratory uncertainties; the closure of this gap is a current topic of study.

Citation Download Citation

James M. Palmer "Limits of radiometry", Proc. SPIE 2269, Infrared Technology XX, (17 October 1994); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.188678

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