As a side note, I have just ordered a book that discusses the specifications and assessment of thermal imaging systems. It is called “Thermal Imaging Cameras - characteristics and performance” by Williams.
I have resisted purchasing the book to date as it covers a narrow (but important) topic and is quite expensive. I found an excellent used copy for £35 so decided to add it to my library. It is a book likely aimed at thermal camera system designers, scientists and those who write technical tender invitations but I am sure I will find it’s contents of interest.
https://www.crcpress.com/Thermal-Imaging-Cameras-Characteristics-and-Performance/Williams/p/book/9781420071856Fraser
TOC follows.......
Table of Contents
Preface: Thermal Imaging Cameras
Biography
Symbols and Abbreviations
An Introduction to Thermal Imaging
Aim of This Book
What Is Thermal Imaging?
Atmospheric Transmission
Choice of 3–5 µm or 8–12 µm
Important Factors in the Application of Thermal Imaging
Specifying and Measuring the Performance of a Thermal Imager
..............
Thermal Imaging Cameras and Their Component Parts
A Basic Thermal Imager
Image-Forming Optical System
Windows for Thermal Imaging
Scanning Mechanisms
Radiation Detectors
Cooling Detectors
Special Signal Processing and Other Requirements
Displays
Computer and Software
References
..............
Industrial and Commercial Thermal Imagers and the Facilities
They Provide
Introduction
Thermal Imagers That Measure Actual Temperature
Software Facilities for Industrial Applications
Thermal Imagers for Surveillance Types of Application
Imagers Used by Firefighters
Manufacturers’ Data Sheets
References
.................
Performance Parameters for Components of a Thermal Imager
Introduction
Lenses
Detectors
Scanners
Displays
References
..............
Performance Parameters for a Complete Thermal Imager
Introduction
Factors Affecting Performance
Performance Parameters
Frame Rates and Readout Timings
Other Factors
References
.................
Basic Equipment for Testing and Calibrating at Thermal Wavelengths
Introduction
Radiation Sources
Infrared Detectors
Cooling Detectors
Optical Systems and Collimators
Integrating Spheres
Spectral Filters
References
....................
Measurement Procedures and Techniques for the Principal
Components that Make Up a Thermal Imager
Introduction
General Measurement Procedures
Lenses and Optical Systems (see also Section 4.2)
Detectors and Detector Arrays
Scanners
Displays
References
..............
Measurement Techniques and Procedures for Complete
Thermal Imagers
Introduction
MTF
Nyquist Limit
Aliasing
Signal Transfer Function (SiTF)
Noise-Equivalent Temperature Difference (NETD)
Minimum Resolvable Temperature Difference (MRTD)
Minimum Detectable Temperature Difference (MDTD)
Objective MRTD
Objective MDTD
Slit Response Function (SRF)
Aperture Response Function (ARF)
Temperature Measurement Performance Characteristics
Emissivity Range
Narcissus
Veiling Glare Index (VGI) and Uniformity Index (VGUI)
Scene Influence Factor (SIF)
Field of View (FOV)
Close Focus Distance
Spectral Response
References
...............
Calibration and Alignment of Test Facilities
Introduction
Calibrating and Aligning a Collimator
Radiometric Characteristics
References
................
Applications of Thermal Imaging Cameras
Introduction
Industrial Applications
Advanced and Specialist Applications
Medical and Biological Applications
Military and Civil Surveillance and Other
Applications
References
..................
Appendix A: Objective Measurement of MRTD and MDTD
Performance Parameters That Determine MRTD and MDTD
Theory for MRTD Measurement
Theory for MDTD Measurement
References
.............
Appendix B: Sampled Imaging Systems and Aliasing
What Are Sampled Imaging Systems?
Image Formation by Sampled Imaging System
Basic Theory
Measures of Aliasing
MTF Measurements Techniques
References
.........
End