Calibration Grade Blackbody Systems

(We also offer instrument grade miniature thermal sources - and if that is what you want, click HERE).

The IR-56x-series and IR-508 blackbody reference sources are designed to provide infrared radiation as an ideal blackbody emitter. The output energy from the cavity closely follows the theoretical maximum energy curve described by Planck's equation, and allows users to calibrate, align, and measure infrared devices and phenomena of all types. Using the integral aperture wheel on the IR-56x-series or the optional 8 position aperture wheel on the IR-508, the infrared flux can be varied by known amounts without disturbing critical optical setups, and combining apertures and distance changes, the flux at any point can easily be determined. The IR-563, IR-564, and IR-508 are ideal sources for the Near (1-3 um), Mid (3-8) and Far (8-30+ um) infrared bands.

The IR-563 has been the industry standard 1050º C blackbody for more than 30 years, and continues to provide excellent service to infrared applications throughout the industry.
The IR-564 extends the temperature range of the IR-563 to 1200º C by changing cavity materials to Silicon Carbide and high purity Alumina ceramics, otherwise the two units are virtually identical.
The NEW IR-574 is a 2.25 inch aperture version of the IR-564.
The IR-508 is a scaled down version of the industry standard IR-563 source. The smaller size and lower power consumption make the IR-508 ideal for applications with limited space and power, such as in environmental chambers down to -80º C.

The 20º tapered - recessed - cone, surface emissivity, and cavity aspect ratio combine to provide blackbody radiation by multiple reflection, absorption and re-emission of its thermal energy. The thermal energy of the cavity is provided by a ceramic-sealed heater coil that uniformly heats the cavity cylinder to temperatures from 50º C to 1200º C with the IR-560 Series and from 50º C to 1050º C with the IR-508. The IR-563 and IR-508 systems carry a full, two-year warranty due to the reliability of actual field units used over the last 30 years, all other products are covered by a one-year warranty.

The IR-301 Controller is used to provide accurate temperature control, display and interface for the blackbody system. The system controls temperature using the Proportional, Integral and Derivative parameters (P.I.D.) of the source to provide, stable temperature control, fast response time, and prevention of excessive settling time and overshoot. Dual, large format, L.E.D. displays indicate the actual cavity and setpoint temperatures, and also allow easy, front-panel interface to the controller's array of functions, such as external relay alarms, and ramp-soak cycles.

Computer interfaces for either RS-232/422/485 or IEEE-488 (GPIB) are available for remote control and operation of the blackbody system from a host computer. All our blackbodies are calibrated using N.I.S.T. traceable standards, and available with CE marking for international users.

Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Send email to the Webmaster at Boston Electronics.