Method and apparatus for enhancing thermal wave imaging of reflective low-emissivity solids

An apparatus for enhancing remote infrared (IR) temperature measurement of a low-emissivity sample, comprising:

• a flexible membrane having high emissivity properties of a high-emissivity material for converting thermal energy from the sample into IR energy detectable by a remote IR detection means;
• means for selectively attracting said membrane adjacent the sample, wherein said attracting means includes a gasket coupled to said membrane at a first end for supporting and retaining said membrane, said gasket having an imaging window of a material transparent to IR energy disposed at a second end opposite said first end for transmission of infrared (IR) radiation to the remote IR detection means, said membrane, imaging window and gasket defining an airtight interior, said gasket further having a passage formed therethrough to said interior for introducing pressurized fluid into said interior wherein pressurized fluid in said interior bears against said membrane to thereby attract said membrane against the sample.

An apparatus for enhancing remote infrared (IR) temperature measurement of a low-emissivity sample, comprising:

• a flexible membrane having high emissivity properties of a high-emissivity material for converting thermal energy from the sample into IR energy detectable by a remote IR detection means;
• means for selectively attracting said membrane adjacent the sample, wherein said membrane has an inner side for contacting the sample and an outer side for emitting IR energy detectable by the IR detection means, and wherein said attracting means comprises a vacuum gasket coupled to said membrane and conformable to the sample for supporting and retaining said membrane, an inner portion of said gasket, said inner side of said membrane, and the sample defining an airtight chamber when said vacuum gasket contacts the sample, said vacuum gasket further having a passage formed therethrough to said chamber for withdrawal of gas from said chamber using a vacuum pump to create a vacuum in said chamber to thereby attract said membrane against the sample.

An apparatus for enhancing remote infrared (IR) temperature measurement of a low-emissivity sample, comprising:

• a flexible membrane having high emissivity properties of a high-emissivity material for converting thermal energy from the sample into IR energy detectable by a remote IR detection means;
• means for selectively attracting said membrane adjacent the sample, wherein said attracting means includes electrostatic charging means positioned proximate said membrane for applying an electrostatic charge to said membrane, and a grounding circuit coupled to the sample for providing electrical conductivity to a ground node, wherein said applied charge to said membrane induces an attractive force between said membrane and the sample to thereby attract said membrane against the sample.