Infrared Thermography, also known as Long-Wave Infrared Camera, is a type of thermal imaging detection equipment. Its core principle is based on the different intensities of infrared radiation emitted by objects at different temperatures. The infrared thermography detects this radiation and converts it into visible images. These images are usually presented in the form of temperature distribution maps, where different colors represent different temperatures, allowing users to visually identify the distribution of temperature. Infrared thermography has become an essential component of modern technology and is widely used in scientific research, industrial inspection, medical diagnosis, automotive assisted driving, and other fields.

Features of Infrared Thermal Imaging:

Non-contact Measurement: Infrared thermography can measure temperatures from a distance without contacting the object, which is particularly important for high-temperature, harmful, or hard-to-reach objects.

Real-time Imaging: They provide real-time images, facilitating rapid identification of problem areas, especially suitable for dynamic systems and rapidly changing processes.

High Temperature Accuracy and Resolution: Modern infrared thermography has high temperature accuracy and good spatial resolution, which is crucial for precise fault diagnosis. From industrial maintenance to medical diagnosis, the scope of application for infrared thermal imaging technology is very broad.

Non-destructive Testing: As a non-invasive technique, infrared thermography does not cause any damage to the object being tested.

Applications of Infrared Thermal Imaging:

Industrial Maintenance: In the industrial field, infrared thermography is used to detect equipment failures, such as hot spots on circuit boards, to prevent accidents.

Building Inspection: In the construction industry, it is used to detect insulation defects, moisture leakage, etc., helping to improve energy efficiency and building quality.

Medical Field: In medicine, infrared thermography is used to diagnose inflammation, poor blood flow, and other issues.

Scientific Research: Researchers use infrared thermal imaging technology to study various thermodynamic and physical processes.

Security and Surveillance: Used for night vision monitoring, helping to identify and track targets in low-light conditions. It is also well applied in the direction of automotive night vision active safety.

Firefighting and Rescue: Firefighters use infrared thermography to see through smoke, quickly locate fire sources, and trapped individuals.

Imaging quality Test of Infrared Thermography

The evaluation of imaging quality of infrared thermography is a complex process, involving multiple testing methods and parameters. The main evaluation indicators include:

1. Thermal Sensitivity (NETD, Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference): Describes the instrument's ability to detect the smallest temperature difference. Measured in millikelvins (mK), the smaller the value, the higher the sensitivity and the better the imaging quality.

2. Minimum Resolvable Temperature Difference (MRTD): One of the important parameters measuring the performance of infrared thermography. It represents the smallest temperature difference that the instrument can distinguish. Specifically, it refers to the minimum temperature difference that the instrument can distinguish between two close points or lines at a certain observation distance. This parameter directly relates to the detection capability and image quality of the thermal imager.

3. Spatial Resolution: Refers to the ability of the instrument to distinguish details of objects. It depends on the number of pixels of the detector and the performance of the optical system. Usually expressed in pixel dimensions (e.g., 640x480).

4. Measurement Accuracy and Temperature Resolution: Measurement accuracy refers to how closely the displayed temperature matches the actual temperature. Temperature resolution reflects the smallest temperature change that the instrument can distinguish. Typically expressed in °C or °F.

5. Field of View (FOV): Describes the size of the area the instrument can observe at one time. The larger the FOV, the wider the area that can be observed at once, but it may sacrifice clarity of details.

6. Refresh Rate: Indicates the frequency at which the infrared thermography updates images. Expressed in Hertz (Hz), the higher the refresh rate, the smoother the image update, especially for moving objects. Some standards also test thermal response time.

7. Image Processing Features: Include emissivity correction, background temperature compensation, color scale ratios, etc. These features can improve image quality and make measurements more accurate.

8. Uniformity and Noise: Assessing the uniformity and noise level of the image is also important. A good infrared thermography should provide uniform and low-noise images.

Related Testing Schemes and Products:

• ColorSpace - Thermal Imaging Camera Temperature Drift Test System Zhengyin ColorSpace - Infrared Thermal Imaging DT Test System Zhengyin Technology - LAFT ColorSpace - Thermal Imaging Test System