Filter
Top Products
Appendix B – Infrared Theory Q&A
Q. Why use noncontact infrared thermometers?
A. Noncontact infrared (IR) thermometers use infrared technology to quickly and
conveniently measure the surface temperature of objects. They provide fast
temperature readings without physically touching the object. The temperature is
shown on the LCD display.
Lightweight, compact, and easy-to-use, IR thermometers and thermal imagers can
safely measure hot, hazardous, or hard-to-reach surfaces without contaminating or
damaging the object. Also, infrared thermometers can provide several readings per
second, as compared to contact methods where each measurement can take several
minutes.
Q. How does IR work?
A. IR thermometers capture the invisible infrared energy naturally emitted from all
objects. Infrared radiation is part of the electromagnetic spectrum, which includes
radio waves, microwaves, visible light, ultraviolet, gamma, and X-rays.
Infrared falls between the visible light of the spectrum and radio waves. Infrared
wavelengths are usually expressed in microns with the infrared spectrum extending
from 0.7 microns to 1000 microns. In practice, the 0.7 to 14 micron band is used for
IR temperature measurement.
July 1, 2003 - 71 - Version 1.0
i
i
Tel: (01943) 602001- WWW.ISSLTD.CO.UK - Fax: (01943) 816796