Thermovision cameras

How does a thermal imaging camera work?

Thermal cameras are dedicated to imaging the temperature distribution. They are distinguished from ordinary cameras by their special optics. The lenses are not made of glass due to the ability of this material to block infrared radiation. Therefore, the lenses are made of a special mixture of materials, which include calcium fluoride, crystalline silicon and germanium. There are, however, detectors which use low-stress semiconductors in their work, among which are indium arsenide and lead selenide. The image that is created is black and white or is supplemented with colors corresponding to specific temperatures.

The principle of the thermal imaging camera is based on infrared radiation. The source of radiation is any body whose temperature is higher than absolute zero. The intensity of the radiation depends on the characteristics of the body and its temperature. It is necessary to know that practically all living beings are capable of producing such radiation, so is human. The camera is supposed to register a given radiation, which comes from a localized object. When this happens, it passes through a lens and is then focused on the detector. The analogue camera, which has been popular for a long time, works similarly. Furthermore, inside the thermal imaging camera we can find a system that cooperates with the detector and is responsible for a thorough search of the image. This means that if any anomaly related to changes in the intensity of infrared radiation is recorded, a special signal will be sent to the user. Thanks to thermal imaging cameras, we can quickly and easily assess whether there is a correct temperature distribution in central heating radiators and whether the quality of thermal insulation in pipelines is good enough.

Take full advantage of thermal imaging cameras with dedicated apps

Because of their very wide range of possible applications, thermal imaging cameras are becoming increasingly popular. Their technology is being improved due to their large share in the area of protection and defence, as well as in the sciences and in many industries. With such cameras we can, among other things, monitor the operation of advanced industrial equipment and machines and power systems. Moreover, it is an excellent and reliable way to detect faults and irregularities in the operation of many systems. Thermal cameras are also chosen by the army, police and other uniformed services. They make it possible to locate people in the dark, i.e. everywhere where there is limited visibility and finding a person is impossible without the support of advanced technology. It should not be forgotten that thermography has a very large share in environmental monitoring. Increasingly, focus is being placed on water, air and soil pollution, as well as animal species that are threatened with extinction. It is the thermal imaging cameras that make it easier to assess the condition and quality of the environment.

To be able to fully exploit the potential of the cameras in these areas, advanced, dedicated applications are also used to evaluate and analyze the collected data.