Infinity Vacuum Blackbody - Santa Barbara Infrared, Inc.

Santa Barbara Infrared’s Infinity vacuum blackbody systems support the most critical space applications. In order to test space-based sensor devices, a thermal source capable of operating in a thermal vacuum chamber (T-VAC) is required. Sensor manufacturers utilize these sources primarily to simulate space and terrestrial thermal signatures as part of their optical ground support equipment (OGSE) for pre-launch test and validation, whereby reducing post-launch failures.

The vacuum blackbody excels in vacuum conditions while accommodating a range of coolants such as hydrofluoroether (HFE), ethylene glycol, syltherm and water-based solutions that ensure versatile and reliable operation. For optimal operation, a recirculating refrigerated bath cools the blackbody to the desired temperature – while a control system, integrated with thermoelectric coolers regulates the setpoint. The vacuum blackbody is equipped with essential components, including the blackbody head, refrigerated bath, temperature controller, cables and hoses.

Features

Precision Embedded Temperature Sensor
The SBIR vacuum rated blackbody system is capable of reaching temperatures from -40ºC to +200ºC absolute. Extended low-end temperature ranges also available.

Accuracy
Ultra-stable, highly responsive temperature sensors are used to provide very precise control and accurate system performance. The probes are calibrated to an accuracy of 0.010ºC.

Uniformity
The Infinity vacuum blackbody incorporates design and construction features that maximize spatial uniformity and minimize convection influences resulting in typical surface uniformity of > 98% of set differential temperature or 0.010ºC, whichever is greater over 90% of the emitting surface area.

Emissivity
A surface treatment is used to create a spectrally flat emissivity of >99.8% (3µm to 5.5µm), >99.5% (8µm to 14µm)

Multi-Function Controller
The 19″ 2U rack mountable controller features a touch screen display and supports remote computer control over Ethernet and optional IEEE-488 (GPIB) or RS-232 interfaces.

Automatic Radiometric Compensation (Optional Upgrade)
Attenuation caused by optics, differences in emissivity, ambient temperature change, and waveband of interest may result in reduced radiometric accuracy. When operating the controller in the radiometric mode, compensation for these factors is automatically applied, adjusting the blackbody as required to produce the correct radiometric output. This option includes a probe block and temperature sensor for accurate ambient temperature measurement. Read more on radiometric temperature compensation here

IRWindows™ Advanced EO Test and Analysis Tool (Optional Upgrade)
The Infinity Series is optimized for seamless integration with the SBIR’s IRWindows™5 test system. IRWindows™5 is an advanced software tool that automates the setup, execution, data collection and results analysis for industry standard performance testing of infrared, visible and laser sensor systems.

Options

Communication

All Infinity systems come with ethernet communication. In addition, IEEE-488(GPIB) and RS-232 communication channels are also included for remote computer control of all blackbody, calibration, illuminator and target wheel functions.

Radiometric Differential Temperature
Radiometric differential temperature accuracy is enhanced with this feature by accounting for error due to optical attenuation background temperature differences and non-unity emissivity. This option includes a probe block and temperature sensor for accurate ambient temperature measurement. Read more on radiometric temperature compensation here

Targets
Many standard and custom infrared targets are available. These targets can be supplied with either emissive or reflective coatings. See the Target section for details.

Target Wheels & Illuminators
Multiple targets can be rapidly and precisely positioned in front of the blackbody. Target position can be set from the front panel of the controller or via the computer interface. For details on the full line of target wheels with optional illuminators see SBIR’s Target Wheel section.

Rack Mounting
The blackbody controller is designed for bench-top or standard 19 inch rack use. Rack mounting ears come standard with the instrument. A rack slide kit is also available.

IRWindows™ Advanced E-O Test and Analysis Tool
The Infinity Series is also optimized for seamless integration with the SBIR’s IRWindows™5 test system. IRWindows™5 is an advanced software tool that automates the setup, execution, data collection and results analysis for industry standard performance testing of infrared, visible and laser sensor systems.

Dimensions

Specifications

Available Sizes	4.5” Square Aperture

Standard Temperature Range A	-40ºC to 200ºC Absolute

Emissivity	> 99.8% (3µm to 5.5µm), > 99.5% (8µm to 14µm)

Uniformity³	>98% of T_set – T_ambient or 0.010ºC whichever is greater, over 90% of the emitting surface area

Absolute Accuracy	±0.010ºC for 0ºC<T<50ºC or ±0.0005 (T-25) elsewhere

Stability	σT≤0.001ºC (0ºC to 50ºC), σT≤0.002ºC (-40ºC to 0ºC and 50ºC to 100ºC), σT≤0.003ºC (110ºC to 175ºC)

Display Resolution	0.001ºC or 0.0001ºC
Setpoint Resolution	0.001ºC
Ready Indicator Selectable	±0.001ºC to ±5.000ºC

SLEW RATE

Approximate Heating Rate	+0.80ºC/sec. at 25ºC
Approximate Cooling Rate	-0.20ºC/sec. at 25ºC
Settling Time	<45 seconds

ENVIRONMENTAL

Operating Temperature	0˚C to 50˚C (Controller), -40˚C to 50˚C (Head)
Storage Temperature	-20˚C to 70˚C
Relative Humidity	5% to 95%, non-condensing
Power Requirements	100-120/220-240 VAC at 60/50Hz
Maximum Power Consumption	850W
Approximate Blackbody Weight	VB-04—26 lbs.
Approximate Controller Weight	15.0 lbs.
Notes: * Specifications subject to change without prior notice