What Is a Thermal Camera?
A thermagraphic or thermal camera, also known as a FLIR (forward looking infrared), is a device that creates an image using infrared radiation, which is heat. The measurement of the infrared light illustrates and makes visible the heat radiation from the object. There are different types of thermal cameras which are utilized in various fields, and improvements and adjustments are regularly made to enhance their versatility.
Cooled Infrared
Thermal cameras can be arranged into two types--cameras with cooled infrared image detectors, and cameras with uncooled detectors. Cooled detectors are usually enclosed in a vacuum-sealed case or flask. Cooling temperatures ranges from 4 k to 110 k, but is commonly used at 80 k to 90 k. If cooling is absent, the sensors would be flooded by their own radiation.
Uncooled Infrared
Uncooled thermal cameras utilize a sensor operating at or near the ambient temperature. Modern uncooled detectors all use sensors which respond to the adjustment of voltage, resistance or current. Uncooled infrared sensors can be stabilized to a specific temperature to minimize image noise. However, they are not reduced to low cooled temperature and do not require the use of cryogenic coolers. This makes an uncooled thermal camera more compact and less expensive than a cooled one.
Disadvantages
There are disadvantages of cooled infrared cameras, such as the expenses of producing and running one. The cooling and evacuating can also become time and power consuming, especially the cooling down of the camera before it begins to work. A disadvantage of uncooled infrared camera is their lower image and resolution quality compared to cooled infrared cameras.
Handheld camera
The handheld thermal camera is designed to meet the needs of the law enforcement profession. This series of thermal cameras gives an unprecedented infrared imaging performance. Behind its design are features including near instant-on, image optimization, and a removable eye-cup. This handheld thermal camera successfully carries out any mission, such as conducting perimeter surveillance, locating a missing person or searching for contraband.
Improvements
This year PCE GROUP (advisors in measuring instrument/ test equipments) have increased their range of thermal cameras. They are currently offering thermal cameras for on-site professional use involving inspection of machines or installations, and for security. Thermal cameras are advancing and increasing the knowledge pertaining to the discipline of infrared measurement. The models are more compact, economical, and easier to handle. Lack of expertise to capture infrared images is not a problem with the new generation of PCE-ITC 1 series. Its small design provides complete portability to the user.
Versatility
Thermal cameras were originally created for military purposes during the Korean War, but they slowly migrated into other fields. Steadily decreasing prices have also helped influence the adoption of infrared viewing technology. Besides lower prices, advanced optics and sophisticated software interfaces enhance the versatility of thermal cameras These cameras are used in fields which range from night vision to law enforcement and anti-terrorism. The detection of people infected with SARS is another method used which illustrates the thermal camera's versatility. The thermal camera detects people with SARS by performing a non-voluntary screening on the human face for fever symptoms. The fever scan M3000 series of thermal cameras is capable of evaluating hundreds of people per minute. Furthermore, it detects individuals with elevated body temperature.
Tags: thermal cameras, cooled infrared, thermal camera, cooled infrared cameras, handheld thermal, handheld thermal camera
