Thermographic camera

Thermographic camera

A thermographic camera, also known as an infrared camera or thermal imaging camera, is a device that forms an image using infrared radiation, similar to a common camera that forms an image using visible light. Instead of the 400–700 nanometre range of the visible light camera, infrared cameras operate in wavelengths as long as 14,000 nm (14 µm). Their use is called thermography.

Overview

Thermographic cameras are sophisticated devices that process the captured image and display it on a screen. These images can be used for immediate diagnosis or processed through specialized software for further evaluation, monitoring, and reporting. The amount of radiation emitted by an object increases with temperature; therefore, thermography allows one to see variations in temperature. When viewed through a thermographic camera, warm objects stand out well against cooler backgrounds; humans and other warm-blooded animals become easily visible against the environment, day or night. As a result, thermographic cameras are frequently used in a variety of fields such as medicine, veterinary science, deep sea research, electrical engineering, and building construction to name a few.

Applications

Medical Thermography

In the field of medicine, thermographic cameras offer a non-invasive means of diagnosing and monitoring diseases by detecting the heat patterns and blood flow in body tissues. Conditions such as breast cancer, arthritis, and vascular disease can be monitored.

Veterinary Use

Thermographic cameras are also used in veterinary medicine to detect injuries or inflammations in animals, particularly in horses and other large animals where other diagnostic methods might be challenging.

Industrial and Electrical

In electrical engineering, thermography is used to identify overheating joints and sections of power lines, which are potential hazards. In building construction, thermographic cameras can identify heat leaks in faulty thermal insulation and can be a valuable tool in energy conservation, helping save on energy costs.

Environmental Monitoring

Thermographic cameras are also used in environmental monitoring to detect sources of heat pollution or to monitor the health of vegetation in agriculture.

Technology

The technology behind thermographic cameras involves the detection of infrared radiation. The cameras do not actually "see" temperature but measure the infrared radiation emitted by an object. The camera then converts this information into an image that represents the temperature distribution of the area being viewed. Advanced models allow for the adjustment of the image's emissivity settings to improve accuracy in readings.

Limitations

While thermographic cameras are powerful tools, they do have limitations. Their accuracy can be affected by environmental conditions such as humidity, and the presence of reflective surfaces in the area can distort the temperature readings. Additionally, the cost of high-quality thermal imaging cameras can be prohibitive for some applications.

See Also

• Infrared photography
• Night vision device
• Heat vision