This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate a two-wavelength imaging pyrometer, using an indium gallium sulfide (InGaS)-based camera, to monitor high-temperature materials processes. The innovative two-wavelength imaging uses intensity ratios to provide accurate temperature measurement of objects with emissivity variation. Single wavelength imaging sensors mistake absolute intensity changes, caused by emissivity variation, for temperature changes. Temperature is a central parameter in many forms of high-temperature materials processing. Temperature control over long production runs provides product consistency and uniformity at reduced manufacturing costs. Phase I will design and construct a prototype two-wavelength, imaging pyrometer with InGaS camera and perform laboratory evaluations and tests in materials processing facilities of selected industrial and research organizations. This thermal imaging sensor is expected to meet industrial needs for accuracy, high temperature operation, and low cost. The developed thermal imaging sensor, with its 1-2 micron sensitivity, will find wide application to industrial needs for process control sensors for high temperature materials processing.
