Thermal imaging, (thermography), is a technique for producing an image of invisible infrared light emitted by an object with the use of a thermal imaging camera - simply stated, using the heat given off by an object to create an image of it. This talent gives these cameras the ability to deliver bright subject imaging, even in the darkest of conditions. Thermal imaging cameras (TIC) can provide rapid surface scanning, without damaging the subject, is environmentally friendly, and allows for quick detection, producing a variety of analysis, including the identification of potential problems or defects, and decrease troubleshooting time and/or preventative maintenance. Instrumental in providing leading edge technology in infrared cameras, low-light imaging, advanced night vision imaging solutions and portable thermography systems is Sofradir EC, Inc. These experts are ISO certified (ISO 9001:2000), and skilled in the field of electro-optics design and manufacturing. Sofradir EC cameras lead the way with low light, night vision and thermal imaging cameras. Thermal imaging can detect building related defects, electrical and mechanical hot-spot failures, intelligent traffic and transportations system monitoring traffic flows, to gas leak detection and aiding firefighters to be able to see through smoke. Boarder surveillance security uses thermal imaging cameras to be able to see possible smugglers or trespassers up to 12 miles away. While sometimes thought that a thermal imaging cameras can actually see walls, this is not true.  What they can do, is to detect heat radiated from surfaces, and it is this heat variance that becomes the viewed image. Applications for thermal imaging cameras are now wide-spread. Electrical contractors often use a thermal imaging camera to identify problems in breaker panels, fuses and switchgear so repairs can be made before these ‘hot spots’ can become critical. With the aid of thermal imaging cameras, pictures of impending problems are identified that would most likely have gone un-noticed. Builders use these cameras to determine insulation condition for heat loss, leak detection, and verify structure design. In commercial and industrial facilities, TICs are useful for checking equipment overheating and electrical wiring, and addressing gas leaks. Firefighters are now able to essentially “see” through smoke with the use of these cameras, and thus save lives of those rescued, and the lives of the firefighters battling the fire. Intelligent traffic and transportations system monitoring traffic flows benefit from thermal cameras in that they are able to control traffic corridors. Bright headlights shined directly into a TI does not affect the image on the screen, so law enforcement officer with a thermal imaging camera can see directly into a car’s headlights and view the driver-information that can be used in criminal case trials Homeland Security depends on thermal imaging cameras to detect human-sized targets from far away, which is paramount for border surveillance and protection. With a thermal imaging camera, possible threats can be identified as far away as 12 miles. The Sofradir EC camera series include the IRE-320M mid-wave (MWIR, 3-5µm), the IRE-320L long-wave (LWIR, 8-10µm) and the IRE-320VL very long-wave (VLIR, 8-12µm) wavelength ranges. All provide for short integration times and high frame rates, and a variety of optics including wide angle, telephoto and microscope lenses. It is the Mid Wavelength Infrared Cameras (MWIR) Infrared Cameras that are perfect for diverse high speed and spectrally specific infrared imaging applications.

Cooled, or Uncooled- the thermal imaging camera

Cooled TI cameras are highly sensitive to small differences in scene temperatures. Able to detect even the smallest differences in temperature between objects, they produce images in the MWIR band of the spectrum, where thermal contrast is high because of blackbody physics. Recognizing this thermal variation is a signal for a change in target temperature; thus the more elevated the thermal contrast, the simpler it is to discover subjects against backgrounds that may only slightly vary in temperature from the subject. Scene images from these MWIR cameras are very vivid in contrast compared to other infrared wavebands, and these cooled cameras are able to be designed to function in the longwave infrared to LWIR bands. Because of this, cooled cameras are better suited for particularly long-range imaging in low-contrast scenes. Uncooled thermal imaging cameras do not use cryogenic cooling. Temperature changes cause the micro-bolometer, to be used as a detector in a thermal camera, and changes electrical signals into images. Uncooled sensors work in longwave infrared (LWIF) group from 7 to 14 microns in wavelength, which is where land dwelling targets give off most of their infrared energy. The Sofradir-EC IRE-640M cooled MWIR infrared high performance camera F2.24 (915320) includes a spectral response range mid-wave of 3.7-4.8µm, and has exceptional sensitivity because of the use of cooled MCT infrared detectors. With short integration times and high frame rates, it offer unique flexibility to meet the criteria of any Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) requirement. Featuring on-board non-uniformity correction and bad pixel replacement, this MWIR camera is truly talented. Choosing the optics option, the IRE-640M is able to be customized to meet any requirement. Sofradir-EC IRE-640L Cooled Thermal Imaging Camera The Sofradir-EC IRE-640L Cooled LWIR Infrared Camera (915166) presents a spectral response range long-wave of 8-10µm, and is MIL-SPEC 810G (a United States Military test for environmental design and test limits) certified for shock and vibration. Presenting digital outputs of Low Voltage Differential Signal (LVDS) and Camera Link as a standard with a Gigabit Ethernet option and a standard analog output of RS-170, its high frame rates and diversified optics make it perfect in the medical field for establishing a base line for normal anatomy and physiology, thus allowing the identification of abnormalities. The Sofradir-EC IRE-320VL Cooled VLWIR Infrared Camera F2.0 (915163) is a cooled infrared camera with a spectral response range very long-wave of 8-12µm. The camera’s features include a high frame rate and optics which include wide angle, telephoto and microscope lenses. Perfect for design, test and manufacturing, medical imaging and target signature purposes. The IRE-320VL is MIL-SPEC 810G (a United States Military test for environmental design and test limits) for shock and vibration. This thermal imaging camera is ideal for medical imaging, research and development, test and manufacturing, and target signature applications. Available from Aegis Electronic Group, Inc. your Sofradir thermal imaging camera needs are accurately and easily met.