Abstract:
A thermal radiation marker adapted to emit radiation within the thermal portion of the infrared spectrum. According to some embodiments of the invention, the thermal radiation marker may include an incandescent filament and a glass or quartz enclosure. The incandescent filament may be adapted to produce radiation at least within the thermal portion of the infrared spectrum. The glass or quartz enclosure may include at least a portion that is substantially thin, and may enclose pressurized inert gas and the incandescent filament surrounded by the inert gas. At least a portion of the glass or quartz enclosure may be sufficiently thin so as to enable good transmittance therethrough for thermal radiation approximately in the 3-5 μm wavelength band. The pressurized inert gas enclosed within the glass or quartz enclosure and surrounding the incandescent filament may enable a regenerative cycle to take place within the enclosure.