blackbody

[2.13.2] A temperature radiator of uniform temperature whose radiant exitance in all parts of the spectrum is the maximum obtainable from any temperature radiator at the same temperature. Such a radiator is called a blackbody because it will absorb all the radiant energy that falls upon it. All other temperature radiators may be classed as non-blackbodies. They radiate less in some or all wavelength intervals than a blackbody of the same size and the same temperature.

Note: The blackbody is practically realized over limited solid angles in the form of a cavity with opaque walls at a uniform temperature and with a small opening for observation purposes. It is variously called a standard radiator, an ideal radiator, or a complete radiator.

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