Everyone knows the standard thermal imaging cameras. But did you know that there are also cooled models in our range? These offer a number of interesting advantages.
A cooled thermal imager has an active motor to keep the sensor cool. Through a Stirling microcooler, the temperature drops to about -200 °C (70 K). This sensor cooling is necessary to bring the thermal noise of the system to a level lower than that of the signal emitted by the scene.
Refrigerated thermal imaging cameras are mainly seen in fixed setups.
Cooled thermal imaging cameras achieve much higher speeds, up to more than 1,000 fps.
Applications where high accuracy is desired at more than 25 fps usually require a cooled thermal imaging camera. The speed of synchronization also has a direct impact on this. The application may be slower, but if speed of response to a signal is important, a cooled thermal imaging camera is the best option. Consider, for example, the use of active thermography.
A cooled sensor typically allows a smaller spatial resolution because of the shorter infrared wavelengths. This provides sharper images, as well as better quality in macroscopic measurements. To measure something accurately, enough pixels are needed to be distributed over the measurement object.
Should you very small temperature differences detect? Then a cooled thermal imaging camera is the best option. It is much more accurate than a non-cooled model.
Filters become more effective with cooled cameras. This is because even with a hot filter, enough light still reaches the sensor. This keeps the image very clear. With uncooled cameras, much less light reaches the sensor to convert into an image.
Unfortunately, cooled thermal imaging cameras also have some drawbacks. They are more expensive than uncooled models. This applies to both purchase price and consumption. After all, cooling is energy-intensive. In addition, it takes a while before you can use this camera because the device takes several minutes to reach the right temperature.
Choose from our complete range or request customized advice. For both purchase and rental of cooled thermal imaging cameras you can contact us.
