High-precision flat-plate reference infrared radiator using perfect blackbody composite with a microcavity structure.

Area of Science:

• Thermography and Infrared Technology
• Medical Device Development
• Materials Science

Background:

• Accurate noncontact fever screening is crucial for public health surveillance.
• Existing thermal imagers require reliable onsite reference radiators for real-time correction.
• Enhancing the accuracy and reliability of these reference radiators is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a highly accurate flat-plate reference radiator for real-time thermal imager correction.
• To improve the reliability of noncontact fever screening systems.
• To achieve unprecedentedly small uncertainty in radiance temperature measurements.

Main Methods:

• Development of a contact-durable blackbody composite with a microcavity structured surface for high emissivity (>0.999).
• Integration of the composite material into a flat-plate reference radiator design.
• Comprehensive evaluation of spectral emissivity, in-plane uniformity, and temperature stability.

Main Results:

• The developed reference radiator exhibits high emissivity (>0.999) due to its microcavity structured surface.
• Evaluation demonstrated excellent spectral emissivity, in-plane uniformity, and temperature stability.
• An unprecedentedly small uncertainty of 0.10°C for radiance temperature (95% confidence) was achieved.

Conclusions:

• The developed reference radiator significantly enhances the accuracy and reliability of noncontact fever screening.
• The novel blackbody composite material and radiator design meet high-performance standards.
• This advancement contributes to more dependable fever detection in real-time applications.