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Technical Notes

Answers to common questions

Although more and more people are familiar with thermal imaging and its applications, a lot of questions still remain. How far can you see with a thermal imaging camera? What happens when there is rain or fog? Are lenses of a thermal imaging camera made of glass as well? Do they need to be cleaned? The following technical notes try to answer some of these questions.

	Are thermal cameras damaged by solar radiation?
	Situations can occur where a thermal imaging camera is looking directly at the sun. For some thermal imaging cameras this can “fry” the detector”. In this technical note you can read that FLIR Systems thermal imaging cameras are not damaged by solar radiation.

	Uncooled detectors for thermal imaging cameras
	Making the right detector choice

	What is the difference between a cooled and an uncooled thermal imaging camera?
	FLIR Systems markets thermal imaging cameras with either a cooled or an uncooled detector. Find out what is the difference and what is the best choice for your application.

	Can thermal imaging cameras see through fog?
	Although thermal imaging cameras can see in total darkness, through light fog, light rain and snow, the distance they can see is affected by these atmospheric conditions. The article explains how and how much the range performance of a thermal imaging camera is affected by fog.

	Do thermal imaging cameras need wipers?
	Because thermal imaging cameras can also be used in light rain, fog, snow, smoke and other extreme environments, the questions often rises: “Is water or dust on the lens obstructing the vision of the thermal imaging camera? Is it necessary to install wipers before the lens of the thermal imaging camera so that water and dust can be removed?”

	What is Digital Detail Enhancement (DDE)?
	FLIR Systems has developed a powerful algorithm that helps the user overcome the problem of finding low contrast targets in high dynamic range scenes. This algorithm is called Digital Detail Enhancement (DDE).

	How far can you see with a thermal imaging camera?
	The distance you can see with a thermal imaging camera depends on a number of factors. The article describes which factors need to be taken into account and shows graphs on which you can clearly read how far you can see with a certain FLIR Systems thermal imaging camera.

Technical Notes

Answers to common questions

Are thermal cameras damaged by solar radiation?

Uncooled detectors for thermal imaging cameras

What is the difference between a cooled and an uncooled thermal imaging camera?

Can thermal imaging cameras see through fog?

Do thermal imaging cameras need wipers?

What is Digital Detail Enhancement (DDE)?

How far can you see with a thermal imaging camera?