Ther·mal im·ag·ing :the technique of using the heat given off by an object to produce an image of it or locate it. (1)
The dictionary’s definition can be further expanded by an examination of the word, ‘heat’. In physics heat can be described as, “a form of energy arising from the random motion of the molecules of bodies, which may be transferred by conduction, convection, or radiation.”(2)
Visible spectrum
We as humans are unable to see all that is around. Light in the visible spectrum is not the only light around us. According to Nasa, All electromagnetic radiation is light, but we can only see a small portion of this radiation—the portion we call visible light.(3)
A thermal imager, essentially, is a device that like a camera takes in the infrared spectrum the translates it into a readable image or data string that humans can interpret. DISCOVERY OF INFRARED In 1800, William Herschel conducted an experiment measuring the difference in temperature between the colors in the visible spectrum. He placed thermometers within each color of the visible spectrum. The results showed an increase in temperature from blue to red. When he noticed an even warmer temperature measurement just beyond the red end of the visible spectrum, Herschel had discovered infrared light!(3)
The discovery of infrared light spurred further interest. Many uses today include
>Military applications for reconnaissance and perimeter control. In adverse conditions or out of a stealthy approach, detecting thermal signatures can give a much needed edge.
>Search and Rescue, When a bomb was detonated in the basement of the world trade center, the rescuers used thermal signatures to locate injured and trapped victims quickly.
>Firefighting, When locating "hot spots" fire crews have a great advantage in being able to locate possible flare up conditions. Before opening doors a thermal scan can be preformed to insure safety for the fire specialist.
Ther·mal im·ag·ing :the technique of using the heat given off by an object to produce an image of it or locate it. (1)
The dictionary’s definition can be further expanded by an examination of the word, ‘heat’. In physics heat can be described as, “a form of energy arising from the random motion of the molecules of bodies, which may be transferred by conduction, convection, or radiation.”(2)
Visible spectrum
We as humans are unable to see all that is around. Light in the visible spectrum is not the only light around us. According to Nasa, All electromagnetic radiation is light, but we can only see a small portion of this radiation—the portion we call visible light.(3)
A thermal imager, essentially, is a device that like a camera takes in the infrared spectrum the translates it into a readable image or data string that humans can interpret.
DISCOVERY OF INFRARED
In 1800, William Herschel conducted an experiment measuring the difference in temperature between the colors in the visible spectrum. He placed thermometers within each color of the visible spectrum. The results showed an increase in temperature from blue to red. When he noticed an even warmer temperature measurement just beyond the red end of the visible spectrum, Herschel had discovered infrared light!(3)
The discovery of infrared light spurred further interest. Many uses today include
>Military applications for reconnaissance and perimeter control. In adverse conditions or out of a stealthy approach, detecting thermal signatures
can give a much needed edge.
>Search and Rescue, When a bomb was detonated in the basement of the world trade center, the rescuers used thermal signatures to locate injured and trapped victims quickly.
>Firefighting, When locating "hot spots" fire crews have a great advantage in being able to locate possible flare up conditions. Before opening doors a thermal scan can be preformed to insure safety for the fire specialist.
1) Google Dictionary (instant search, spawned, definition)2) https://www.google.com/search?ei=XP2MWtr0K8-ujwPborWYBw&q=heat+definition&oq=heat+def&gs_l=psy-ab.3.0.0i131k1j0l9.124766.126880.0.128090.8.8.0.0.0.0.145.879.2j6.8.0....0...1.1.64.psy-ab..0.8.879...0i67k1j0i131i67k1.0.cNs9xdmvzs8
3) https://science.nasa.gov/ems/09_visiblelight
4) https://smd-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/science-red/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/visible-wave.jpg
5) https://smd-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/science-red/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/infrared-wave.jpg
6)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermography