Infrared cameras and IR sensors

In summary, the reason why infrared (thermal) cameras are so expensive is due to the development and manufacturing costs of the imaging array and the use of fancy and expensive materials for the infrared sensors. Additionally, the electronics and firmware used for processing the information also contribute to the cost. If there was a higher demand for infrared cameras, their cost would likely decrease. Additionally, the lenses used in infrared cameras can be made from germanium, which is cheaper than gold. However, the cost of a thermal camera for an iPhone 5/5S is still quite high, ranging from $450 to $550 on eBay.
  • #1
fog37
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Hello Forum,

Why are infrared (thermal) cameras, those that produce interesting thermographs of objects, mapping their surface temperature, so expensive?

IR sensors are ubiquitous and very inexpensive...What is the difference?

thanks,
fog37
 
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  • #2
fog37 said:
Hello Forum,

Why are infrared (thermal) cameras, those that produce interesting thermographs of objects, mapping their surface temperature, so expensive?

IR sensors are ubiquitous and very inexpensive...What is the difference?

thanks,
fog37

What IR sensors are ubiquitous and inexpensive? You mean like in a remote control? A camera needs an imaging array with many thousands or millions of IR sensors, not a single cheap sensor. The sensor in an infrared camera is similar to the imaging chip in a cell phone. Semiconductors are very expensive to develop but cheap to manufacture, so they are highly affected by volume. Also, infrared imaging arrays are made for technical reasons out of fancy, expensive materials (not silicon) so that is another reason for their cost.

Digital visible-light cameras used to be incredibly expensive but with volume the cost is very small. If infrared cameras were more popular and they sold in the 10s or 100s of millions believe me they would be very cheap too.
 
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  • #3
analogdesign said:
What IR sensors are ubiquitous and inexpensive? You mean like in a remote control? A camera needs an imaging array with many thousands or millions of IR sensors, not a single cheap sensor. The sensor in an infrared camera is similar to the imaging chip in a cell phone. Semiconductors are very expensive to develop but cheap to manufacture, so they are highly affected by volume. Also, infrared imaging arrays are made for technical reasons out of fancy, expensive materials (not silicon) so that is another reason for their cost.

Digital visible-light cameras used to be incredibly expensive but with volume the cost is very small. If infrared cameras were more popular and they sold in the 10s or 100s of millions believe me they would be very cheap too.

and on top of all that, there's the electronics and firmware that does the processing of the information from the sensor to produce those interesting thermographs of objects, and mapping of their surface temperature etc

Dave
 
  • #4
So, in principle, we could build a super-low resolution thermal camera using several infrared sensors, as long as they are sensitive to the infrared wavelengths (I guess around 10 micron) that the human body emits energy at.
 
  • #5
You need an optical system that works for that wavelength. The infrared sensors in your remote control are big and it would be hard to get an image focused on an array of them.
 
  • #6
I've also heard that "the lenses are made of Germanium which is more expensive per gram than Gold."
 
  • #7
It's true that IR lenses can be made from germanium, but the current price of Ge is less than $2 per gram, compared with over $40 per gram for gold.
 
  • #8
During the last few weeks this thermal camera for the iPhone 5/5S has become available.
Resolution is 80 x 60 pixels.
Price is between US$450 and US$550 on eBay.
http://www.flir.com/flirone/
 

1. What is the difference between an infrared camera and an IR sensor?

An infrared camera is a device that captures and displays images based on the infrared radiation emitted by objects. It is typically used for thermal imaging and can detect temperature differences. On the other hand, an IR sensor is a component that detects infrared radiation and converts it into an electrical signal. It is commonly used in proximity sensors, motion detectors, and other applications.

2. How do infrared cameras and IR sensors work?

Infrared cameras use a special lens to focus infrared light onto an array of sensors. These sensors then convert the infrared radiation into electrical signals, which are processed and displayed as an image. IR sensors work by detecting changes in the infrared radiation emitted by objects. When an object moves or changes temperature, it emits different levels of infrared radiation, which the sensor can detect and convert into an electrical signal.

3. What are the main applications of infrared cameras and IR sensors?

Infrared cameras are commonly used in industries such as firefighting, home inspection, and security. They are also used in medical imaging, astronomy, and military applications. IR sensors have a wide range of applications, including motion detection, temperature measurement, and gas detection. They are also used in household appliances, automotive safety systems, and industrial automation.

4. Are there any safety concerns with using infrared cameras and IR sensors?

In general, infrared cameras and IR sensors are safe to use. However, some cameras may emit low levels of non-ionizing radiation, which can be harmful if used improperly or for extended periods. It is important to follow safety guidelines and use protective equipment when necessary. IR sensors do not emit any radiation and are considered safe to use.

5. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using infrared cameras and IR sensors?

The main advantage of infrared cameras and IR sensors is their ability to detect and measure invisible thermal radiation, which is useful in a variety of applications. They also work well in low light conditions and can see through certain materials. However, they can be costly and may require specialized training to operate. Additionally, they may not work well in environments with high levels of ambient infrared radiation or in extreme temperatures.

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