8
Glossary of Terms
8-1
Glossary of Terms Used in This Manual
Blackbody
A theoretical object that radiates the maximum amount of energy at
a given temperature, and absorbs all the energy incident upon it.
Calibration
The process of adjusting an instrument or compiling a deviation
chart so that its reading can be correlated to the actual value being
measured.
EmissivityInfrared
The ratio of energy emitted by a surface to the energy emitted by a
blackbody at the same temperature.
Infrared (IR)
A range of the electromagnetic spectrum extending beyond red vis-
ible light from 760 nanometers to 1000 microns.
NIST
National Institute of Standards and Technology
