How does a IR thermometer work?

[mcjhn]

was just wondering...

Do IR thermometers measure the temperature of an object via the intensity or wavelengths of emitted light?

I've heard that you can measure the temperature of clouds with them, why doesn't the IR light emitted by the air in between the cloud and the detector confuse it?

[**I've heard this can damage them] What happens you point one at the sun? or an old fashioned light bulb? (is it not sensitive to visible black body radiation)?

(hopefull those make sense) thanks!

 

[berkeman]

was just wondering...

Do IR thermometers measure the temperature of an object via the intensity or wavelengths of emitted light?

I've heard that you can measure the temperature of clouds with them, why doesn't the IR light emitted by the air in between the cloud and the detector confuse it?

[**I've heard this can damage them] What happens you point one at the sun? or an old fashioned light bulb? (is it not sensitive to visible black body radiation)?

(hopefull those make sense) thanks!

Welcome to the PF.

Wikipedia has an intro article:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infrared_thermometer

.

 

[mcjhn]

hi, thanks I already had a look on there and couldn't find the info I was after

 

[russ_watters]

They measure the wavelength...and air is transparent to ir.

 

[sardar]

An IR thermometer works by detecting and measuring the infrared radiation emitted by an object. All objects emit infrared radiation, which is a type of electromagnetic radiation with longer wavelengths than visible light. The intensity of this radiation is directly related to the temperature of the object, so by measuring the intensity of the infrared radiation, the thermometer can determine the temperature of the object.

This method of temperature measurement is different from traditional thermometers which rely on physical contact with the object to measure its temperature. IR thermometers are able to measure the temperature without touching the object, making them useful for measuring the temperature of objects that are difficult or dangerous to access, such as hot surfaces or moving machinery.

When it comes to measuring the temperature of clouds, the IR thermometer is able to distinguish between the infrared radiation emitted by the cloud and that emitted by the air in between. This is because the cloud has a different temperature and composition than the air, resulting in a distinct infrared signature.

However, it is important to note that IR thermometers are not designed to measure the temperature of highly intense sources of infrared radiation, such as the sun or a light bulb. This can cause damage to the thermometer and may result in inaccurate readings. IR thermometers are specifically designed to measure the lower levels of infrared radiation emitted by objects within a certain temperature range.

In summary, IR thermometers work by detecting and measuring the infrared radiation emitted by an object, and are able to distinguish between the infrared signatures of different objects. They are not suitable for measuring the temperature of highly intense sources of infrared radiation.