Capture of infrared radiation emitted by matter above absolute zero
Easy measurement without probe contact
Heat reveals the abnormalities of objects. Excessive heat can even destroy them. This applies not only to objects, but also to life itself. A temperature higher than body temperature is indicative of illness, and hyperthermia destroys body cells. Therefore, measuring temperature is the starting point for solving all problems.


Misconceptions about infrared cameras
A thermal imaging camera is synonymous with an infrared camera. A thermal imaging camera uses infrared energy, invisible to the naked eye, to measure temperature and then collects these temperature values to display a thermal image on a screen.

Contrary to popular belief, thermal imaging cameras do not emit infrared radiation and measure the reflected infrared radiation. All objects above absolute zero emit infrared radiation, and thermal imaging cameras simply measure the intensity of that radiation. Because they do not emit infrared radiation, they pose no harm to life or objects.

Infrared thermometers, which shoot lasers, also don't emit infrared radiation. While infrared thermometers operate on a similar principle to thermal imaging cameras, they can't display temperature values as thermal images, so they use a laser to pinpoint the location measured.

Thermal imaging cameras capture images densely packed with temperature values, ranging from as few as 5,000 to as many as 1.2 million. The camera's role is to colorize these temperature values. Thermal imaging cameras help users identify where problems are by visually displaying temperature values.
Thermal imaging cameras are used in a variety of fields. The most active application is in electrical installations. Electrical installations constantly carry high voltages, and even when the equipment is down, residual currents can still be present, making thermal imaging cameras useful. Thermal imaging cameras are also used to inspect buildings for hidden problems, such as electrical leaks or water leaks.


Why Use Thermal Imaging Cameras in R&D?
In R&D fields, temperature measurements are often relied on sense alone due to the lack of measuring equipment or methods. Measuring temperature by hand is often dangerous. Contact thermometers are similar. While accurate, they require the probe to be held directly to the intended location. Furthermore, a single mistake can easily damage the object. Non-contact thermometers are convenient and safe, but if not measured correctly, accurate data cannot be obtained. Consequently, non-contact thermometers are often considered expensive and difficult to apply in the field. However, their price range has recently decreased significantly.

Thermal imaging cameras are used for measuring electronic equipment, testing PCBs, and investigating design failures. They can also be used for material analysis. The R&D fields where thermal imaging cameras are primarily used include aerospace, pharmaceuticals, electronics, materials, and more. Universities and research institutes are also increasingly adopting thermal imaging cameras. The error rate of temperature values from thermal imaging cameras is usually within 2%.


Advantages of Thermal Imaging Cameras
Thermal imaging cameras are safe because they don't require a probe like contact thermometers. Probes often interfere with temperature measurements and are not suitable for use in high-temperature, high-voltage equipment. Thermal imaging cameras differ in this regard.
Furthermore, problematic areas can be immediately identified. Rather than having to individually inspect suspected problem areas, a thermal imaging camera can capture a wide thermal image of the entire area, making it easy to pinpoint problematic areas. Furthermore, by estimating the approximate location, secondary equipment like an oscilloscope can be used to pinpoint the exact location.

In addition, it has the advantage of being able to measure temperature values in real time, recording temperature value changes, and being simple to operate.


Considerations When Buying a Thermal Imaging Camera
Resolution is the most important consideration. The higher the pixel count, the clearer the image. For thermal imaging cameras, pixel count is even more important than for standard cameras. With fewer pixels, temperature values can be hidden between pixels. This hiding between pixels means the temperature cannot be measured.

The focus must be well adjusted because the temperature value changes when the focus is blurred. So Fluke added Multisharp Focus, a multi-focus feature that allows it to focus on any subject, to its thermal imaging cameras.

The lens is also important. Consider whether the primary lens can capture the subject within its field of view. Depending on whether the subject is far or close, you should choose a macro, wide-angle, or telephoto lens.
Software is also important. Fluke offers Fluke SmartView free of charge. It's compatible with LabVIEW and MATLAB, allowing users to customize their experience.


6 Use Cases in R&D
High-resolution thermal imaging cameras can measure the temperature of electronic components smaller than 32 microns. Contact thermometers are too small to measure. Users can use software to check the temperature distribution. A tripod and a 2D precision adjustment adapter make it even easier to measure the target's temperature.

Thermal imaging cameras are also used to test for defective pixels in LCD panels. Defective pixels in LCD panels are caused by high internal resistance, typically measuring 40 microns in size. The difference between a defective pixel and a good pixel is typically less than 1℃. When measuring objects with such small temperature differences, changing the color palette of the thermal imaging camera to a grayscale palette allows for the measurement of subtle differences.

It's also useful for assessing the melting point and strength of new materials. This is because it allows for visual inspection of temperature distribution and temperature change patterns, making it easy to understand. When the difference between normal and abnormal temperature values is small, simply convert the color of the thermal imaging camera to a grayscale palette. Furthermore, it's convenient to be able to record temperature changes based on the situation.

Temperature changes due to material tension can be analyzed. As a material stretches, friction increases due to internal stress, generating heat. Tensile testing typically lasts approximately 7 to 8 seconds, although some tests can be completed in as little as 2 to 3 seconds. Measuring the maximum temperature and its location requires the use of a close-up lens, tripod, and 2D precision adjustment adapter. Furthermore, recording subtle temperature changes at specific points using the grayscale palette and square marker function can easily achieve this goal.


Usage Demo
e4ds' August 30th webinar will feature a demonstration of the Fluke RSE300 and RSE600 fixed-mount thermal imaging cameras for R&D applications.