Thermal Camera Experiments - Thermal Imaging
Thermal imaging camera - FLIR in the Classroom
By using Thermal Imaging, the infrared radiation of the electromagnetic spectrum is measured to produce images called thermograms. The amount of radiation emitted by on object on the earth surface varies with temperature – therefore thermal imaging makes it possible to visualize variation in temperature.
Thermogram of a traditional building in the background and a "passive house" in the foreground
Infrared thermography (IRT), thermal imaging, and thermal video are examples of infrared imaging science. Thermographic cameras usually detect radiation in the long-infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum (roughly 9,000–14,000 nanometers or 9–14 µm) and produce images of that radiation, called thermograms. Since infrared radiation is emitted by all objects with a temperature above absolute zero according to the black body radiation law, thermography makes it possible to see one's environment with or without visible illumination. The amount of radiation emitted by an object increases with temperature; therefore, thermography allows one to see variations in temperature. When viewed through a thermal imaging 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, thermography is particularly useful to the military and other users of surveillance cameras.