Written by Kevin Sweeney, Principal Optical Systems Engineer, Optikos Corporation
ABSTRACT
Thermal imaging, once limited to the defense sector, is increasingly being adopted in the automotive industry, bringing challenges in scaling production and ensuring accurate performance testing. Critical to this is precise characterization using standardized metrics like Minimum Detectable Temperature Difference (MDTD) and Minimum Resolvable Temperature Difference (MRTD), which are complicated by factors like target emissivity and optical attenuation. Infrared radiometers help relate physical temperature to radiometric output but are complex, especially in the longwave infrared (LWIR) range due to self-emission and calibration sensitivity to ambient conditions. As automotive demand grows, miniaturized and well-calibrated radiometers are essential to ensure test accuracy and production efficiency. This presentation explores the design and calibration of such a radiometer, using the Optikos RAD-900 as a case study, and emphasizes the need for experienced calibration services with robust quality systems to support high-volume manufacturing. [1]
About the Presenter:
Kevin began his career at NMG Aerospace in 2012 as a Process Engineer, a role he held until 2014. In 2015, he joined Optikos Corporation as an Optical Engineer and later transitioned to the position of Senior Optical Engineer in February 2021. Kevin was promoted to Principal Optical Systems Engineer in 2023.
Kevin Sweeney’s educational history includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Astrophysics from Ohio University, which he completed between 2007 and 2011. Kevin then pursued a Master of Science degree in Optics/Optical Sciences at the University of Rochester between 2014 and 2015.
View the Presentation Slide Deck and Long Form Abstract here:
