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Spectra-Physics - IceFyre 10-24 LB
Photonics Dictionary

noise equivalent thermal distance

Noise equivalent thermal distance (NETD) is a performance metric used to quantify the sensitivity of thermal imaging systems, including photoacoustic imaging systems. It represents the smallest temperature difference that the system can distinguish above the noise level. In other words, NETD indicates the system's ability to detect subtle temperature variations within the observed scene.

Noise: Refers to the random variations in the signal detected by the imaging system that do not correspond to actual changes in temperature. Noise can originate from various sources, including the detector electronics, thermal fluctuations, and external environmental factors.

Equivalent thermal difference: The smallest temperature difference that can be reliably detected by the system given its inherent noise. A lower NETD value indicates a more sensitive system capable of detecting finer temperature differences.

Distance: Though the term includes "distance," it is not directly related to a spatial measurement but rather to the thermal resolution capability of the imaging system.

In practical terms, a thermal imaging system with a lower NETD value is considered better because it can detect smaller temperature changes, leading to higher image quality and more precise thermal measurements. This is particularly important in applications such as medical diagnostics, where detecting small temperature differences can be crucial for identifying abnormalities, and in industrial applications, where precise thermal monitoring is required.

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