Thermographic evaluation technique

In a nondestructive thermographic evaluation technique, a selected amount of energy is applied to a first object having a known surface structure. An image of the first object is formed within the dynamic limits of an imaging device which preferably includes a white bar. The image is stored on a recording device and enhanced using an image processor. The selected amount of energy is then applied to a second object which is imaged by the imaging device, and the image of the second object is also enhanced. The images of the first and second objects are then compared to determine whether there are any differences in the surface structure of the two objects.