Thermal Infrared Sensors: Theory, Optimisation and Practice

Using a large number of examples, this extremely practical book explains how to utilise the fundamentals of thermal infrared sensor systems in real–world applications
In Thermal Infrared Sensors, the authors describe the measuring system comprising the sensor and also consider the relationship between radiation source, optical conditions and sensor. The main focus of the book is directed towards thermal (un–cooled) detectors which are the cheapest and, hence, the most–used detector elements. The book begins with a concise presentation of the basic physical and photometric fundamentals needed for the consideration of these interactions. Noise is a limiting factor for thermal resolution and detectivity and so the authors consider main noise sources in detail with regard to mathematical description. To understand the properties of IR sensor systems in conjunction with the measurement environment and the application conditions, the authors explain the appropriate sensor parameters describing thermal resolution (responsivity, noise, detectivity, noise equivalent temperature difference) and spatial resolution (modulation transfer function), as they are used commonly in IR measurement practice, and give many practical examples. The final chapter deals with the different types of thermal sensors which due to their different properties will be used for different applications. For instance, bolometer focal plane arrays dominate thermal imaging cameras, whereas almost all motion detector systems are based on pyroelectric sensors.

·                Provides numerous examples enabling the reader to apply these solutions to their own problems, to find ways to match their commercial IR sensors and cameras to their measurement conditions and to tailor and optimize sensors to particular IR measurement problems
·                Describes the physical basis and applications of thermal detectors limited to pyroelectrics and micro–bolometers, providing discussion of the operation, optimization and use of thermal sensors.   
·                Focuses on thermal (un–cooled) detectors which are the cheapest and, hence, the most–used detector elements. 
·                Includes a companion website with links to sensor and system datasheets of the main manufacturers of infrared sensors and systems.