Presents a comprehensive introduction to the selection, operation, and testing of infrared devices, including a description of modern detector assemblies and their operation This book discusses how to use and test infrared and visible detectors. The book provides a convenient reference for those entering the field of IR detector design, test or use, those who work in the peripheral areas, and those who teach and train others in the field. Chapter 1 contains introductory material. Radiometry is covered in Chapter 2. The author examines Thermal detectors in Chapter 3; the “Classical” photon detectors – simple photoconductors and photovoltaics in Chapter 4; and “Modern Photon Detectors” in Chapter 5.  Chapters 6 through 8 consider respectively individual elements and small arrays of elements the “readouts” (ROICs) used with large imaging arrays; and Electronics for FPA Operation and Testing. The Test Set and The Testing Process are analyzed in Chapters 9 and 10, with emphasis on uncertainty and trouble shooting. Chapters 11 through 15 discuss related skills, such as Uncertainty, Cryogenics, Vacuum, Optics, and the use of Fourier Transforms in the detector business. Some highlights of this new edition are that it Discusses radiometric nomenclature and calculations, detector mechanisms, the associated electronics, how these devices are tested, and real-life effects and problems - Examines new tools in Infrared detector operations, specifically: selection and use of ROICs, electronics for FPA operation, operation of single element and very small FPAs, microbolometers, and multi-color FPAs - Contains five chapters with frequently sought-after information on related subjects, such as uncertainty, optics, cryogenics, vacuum, and the use of Fourier mathematics for detector analyses Fundamentals of Infrared and Visible Detector Operation and Testing, Second Edition , provides the background and vocabulary necessary to help readers understand the selection, operation, and testing of modern infrared devices. “This is a useful guidebook for anyone involved with system design and testing of visible and infrared detectors.” ( Optics & Photonics News , 31 December 2015) Review for first edition: www.ans.org/pubs/journals/download/a_29665 BOOK REVIEW Selection of books for review is based on the editor's opinions regarding possible reader interest and on the availability of the book to the editor. Occasional selections may include books on topics somewhat peripheral to the subject matter ordinarily considered acceptable. Fundamentals of Infrared Detector Operation and Testing Author John David Vincent Publisher John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Price $54.95 Reviewer M. Alfred Akerman I thought that I already had all the books that I needed in the infrared detector category when this one arrived. After all, how many such books does one need when one's day to-day work deals with optical materials development, not infrared detection? Both major sections of the book are slow starting, so do not plan to make this bedtime reading. Much of the book consists of tables and references, so do not think that it can be read straight through and everything there is to know will be learned. Consider the major headings of the contents of the book. There are two major units: "Detectors and Detector Operation" and "Related Skills." The first unit deals with fundamentals, detector types and operation, radiometry, test sets, and detector testing. What makes the book easy to use is that there is an introduction to each subject, followed by more detail. As an example, under "Detector Operation," major components of a detector are identified and their use explained in a single sentence. Subsequent sections go into increasing detail about each component. One need not read an entire chapter to find out what one wants to know. The second unit has the following major parts: science and measurements, cryogenics, vacuum practices, optics and optical materials, and electronics. In many respects, it is this second part of the book that is the most intriguing. The technology covered in these sections applies to many more areas than infrared detectors. I happened to have the book in my briefcase when I went out of town for a few days to do an acceptance test at a factory. The machine under test failed to cool a sample to liquid helium temperatures in a reasonable time. Was the reason excessive radiative heat transfer, inadequate conductive thermal transfer, or not enough liquid helium passing through the cooling lines? I thought about it awhile, gave up when I saw how many constants I was lacking, and decided to do something more productive, like reading the book I was supposed to be reviewing. Having noted a section on cyrogenics, I flipped a few pages, and there was everything that I needed to solve the aforementioned problem. The next day I walked into the factory with an extra spring in my step because there was no longer any doubt that the problem was d