Thermographic cameras are multi-purpose in nature. On the one hand, they can be used to check a building’s safety and detect faults, on the other they can also be used for security purposes as well as in various other ways. They range from expensive to cost-effective ones and can be installed depending upon the place, budget and purpose.
A thermal vision camera or thermographic 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 450€”750 nanometer range of the visible light camera, infrared cameras operate in wavelengths as long as 14,000 nm. Infrared energy forms only one part of the electromagnetic spectrum- the other parts include gamma rays, x-rays, ultra violet, a thin region of visible light, infrared, terahertz waves, microwaves, and radio waves. In general, the higher an object’s temperature, the more infrared radiation is emitted. A thermal vision camera can not only detect this radiation but also work in total darkness because ambient light level does not matter. This makes it useful for rescue operations and security purposes.
Types and features of a thermal vision camera
Usually, thermographic cameras are of two types: Cooled infrared detectors and Uncooled infrared detectors.
Cooled infrared detectors: Most modern cooled detectors operate in the 60 K to 100 K range, depending on type and performance level. The camera may need several minutes to cool down before it can begin working. The most commonly used cooling systems are rotary Stirling engine cry coolers. Although the cooling apparatus is comparatively bulky and costly, cooled infrared cameras provide superior image quality compared to uncooled ones.
Uncooled infrared detectors: They use a sensor operating at ambient temperatures, or a sensor stabilized at a temperature close to ambient using small temperature control elements. Modern uncooled detectors use sensors that work by the change of resistance, voltage or current when heated by infrared radiation. These changes are then measured and compared to the values at the operating temperature of the sensor.
Uses of thermal vision camera
Thermographic cameras have various uses, particularly in times of security concerns. They are used for building inspection, to detect leaks, moisture detection in walls & roofs and masonry wall structural analysis. These cameras are also used for law enforcement and anti-terrorism, to quarantine monitoring of visitors to a country, military and police target detection & acquisition, search and rescue operations and Firefighting operations. Thermographic cameras are also used for medical testing and diagnosis, astronomy, auditing of acoustic insulation for sound reduction, chemical imaging, nondestructive testing, research & development of new products, pollution effluent detection, locating unmarked graves, aerial archaeology, paranormal investigation, flame detector and meteorology.
Thermal Vision Camera: The How, What and Why
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