Infrared thermal imaging technology is a device that detects the infrared radiation of the target object, and converts the temperature distribution image of the target object into a video image through photoelectric conversion, signal processing and other means.

What is infrared thermal imaging?

The wavelength of visible light that our human eyes can perceive is: 0.38-0.78 microns. Usually we refer to electromagnetic waves longer than 0.78 microns as infrared. In nature, all objects radiate infrared rays, so using the detector to measure the infrared difference between the target itself and the background, different infrared images can be obtained, which are called thermal images.

Features and uses of infrared thermal imagers

The thermal image of the same target is different from the visible light image. It is not the visible light image that the human eye can see, but the image of the surface temperature distribution of the target. In other words, the infrared thermal image is the surface temperature distribution of the target that cannot be directly seen by the human eye. It becomes a thermal image that can be seen by the human eye and represents the temperature distribution of the target surface.

Features of infrared thermal imaging

All objects in nature with a temperature above absolute zero (-273°C) emit infrared rays, and infrared rays (or thermal radiation) are the most widespread radiation in nature. The atmosphere, smoke clouds, etc. absorb visible light and near-infrared rays, but are transparent to infrared rays of 3-5 microns and 8-14 microns. Therefore, these two wavelengths are called the "atmospheric window" of the infrared. Using the infrared thermal imaging of these two windows, we can clearly observe the situation ahead in a completely dark night or in a harsh environment with dense smoke clouds. It is because of this feature of infrared thermal imaging that infrared thermal imaging technology can be used in nighttime surveillance and forest fire monitoring systems for security.

Uses of Infrared Thermal Imaging

Thermal imagers are widely used, especially in the military, where thermal imagers can be used to find tank engines and soldiers that emit heat at night. In industry, a thermal imager can be used to quickly detect the temperature of the workpiece, so as to grasp the necessary information. Since the failure of electronic devices such as motors and transistors is often accompanied by an abnormal increase in temperature, thermal imaging cameras can also be used to quickly diagnose faults. When influenza, pneumonia and other diseases are prevalent, thermal imagers can be used to quickly determine whether there is fever. Due to the high temperature of cancer cells, it can also be used to diagnose diseases such as breast cancer. Border guards can also use it to determine whether there are stowaways in the transport.