General performance evaluation on thermal imaging systems with the square integral method based on MRTD channel width

The Square Integral (SQI) Method based on MRTD (Minimum Resolvable Temperature Difference) is introduced for the design and evaluation of thermal imaging systems. It is well known that there exists an optimal angle magnification which can make optoelectronic imaging systems and human eye matching optimally, and make optoelectronic imaging systems attaining the optimal performance. Based on MRTD and channel width, a new way called SQI method is presented for evaluating the universal performance on thermal imaging systems, and attaining the optimal angle magnification or optimal viewing distance. The method can give a rational description for the matching between thermal imaging systems and human eye. Results calculated with this method are in agreement with experiment measurements quite perfectly. From the coherence between measurement data and theoretical predictions with variable detector size, optics focus, luminance and human vision, it appears that the SQI method is an excellent synthesized measure for the optimal angle magnification and the performance of thermal imaging systems.