| abstract |
A noncontact active infrared sensor is provided with bifurcated sensing elements. A first element is uniquely exposed to the remote object, thereby establishing a radiative flux. A second element is configured in the same local environment as that of the first element but isolated from radiation from the remote object. The heat transfer of both elements is compared and that component of heat transfer corresponding to flux with the remote object is isolated and converted into a temperature signal. The sensor system advantageously incorporates individual thermal control units onto both sensor elements to accurately control salient thermal transfers while thermally decoupling the sensor elements. This provides for a more accurate reading of the temperature of the remote object. |