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By James Piper, P.E.

April 2018

Thermal imaging systems translate thermal energy into visible light. All objects emit infrared radiation. Infrared imaging systems use a lens, much like a conventional camera lens, to focus that radiation on a phased array of infrared detector elements.

The elements produce a detailed temperature pattern of the area or object being examined. The imager then displays the pattern on a screen for viewing. Depending on the particulars of the system, the temperature variations show up as different shades of grey or as various colors depending on the intensity of the infrared radiation.

— James Piper, P.E.