Precision

Blackbodies

Blackbody Truths: Traceable Uncertainty

Entrance aperture of a windowless furnace at 2000 °C.

Blackbody thermal radiation sources: How do you know what specifications are necessary to fit your needs?

Some specs are really simple, if you think about it for a while. To do a proper calibration or calibration check your blackbody thermal radiation source must have a traceable calibration to some recognized primary reference or reference to a National Measurement Institution (NMI) via an unbroken chain of evidence, such as a certified calibration certificate that has all the correct information listed on it. This is fundamental and can help you speed your search for suitable devices.

The traceability should be built-in and not be an option. Otherwise you are buying an incomplete calibration device.

Visit the NIST, or your NMI* website. Most all have information on what constitutes traceable calibration and how you can get it and keep it.

1. Blackbody Uncertainty

2. Blackbody Precision

3. Blackbody calibrators, a page on the Temperatures.com website, About Temperature Sensors, with useful information on blackbodies.

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*NMI=National Metrology Institute

Precision Blackbodies

A laboratory blackbody approximates Max Planck's ideal. We strive to provide the closest approximation that a reasonable budget and the needs for precise sources of blackbody thermal radiation can provide.