Infrared emittance of electromagnetic phantom materials and infrared transmittance of polyethylene

Methods of obtaining quantitative thermometric data with a thermographic camera are discussed. These include the assessment of errors associated with the camera itself and of difficulties arising from the nature of the object to be measured. The latter refer to determinations of the penetration of depth of infrared radiation emitted by the object; measurement of the transmittance of windows in front of the objects; and measurement of the object's emittance under somewhat adverse circumstances. Finally, an example of a temperature measurement is given. Practical considerations of thermometry are emphasized as opposed to radiometric measurements. Examples are drawn from measurements involving tissue-equivalent electromagnetic phantom materials.