The differences between cooled thermal imaging cameras and uncooled thermal imaging cameras

The differences between cooled infrared thermal imaging cameras and uncooled infrared thermal imaging cameras are as follows:

Working principle: The refrigerated infrared thermal imaging camera uses the absorption of infrared radiation to generate electrical signals. Its detection element is a special semiconductor material, such as mercury oxide, indium antimonide, etc. When infrared radiation hits the detection element, it will excite the carriers in the detection element, thereby generating an electrical signal. However, since the lifetime of carriers is very short, in order to ensure the sensitivity and response speed of the detector, the detection element needs to be cooled to a low temperature, usually 77K. This refrigeration technology usually uses refrigerant refrigeration methods, such as liquid nitrogen and refrigerators. Uncooled infrared thermal imaging cameras also use the absorption of infrared radiation to generate electrical signals, and their detection elements are usually a semiconductor material, such as silicon and germanium. But unlike the cooled infrared thermal imaging camera, the uncooled infrared thermal imaging camera detects infrared radiation by measuring the resistance of the detection element.

Application scenarios: Due to its high sensitivity, high resolution, high response speed and wide band response, the cooled infrared thermal imaging camera is used in long-distance monitoring, target tracking, missile navigation, aviation, aerospace, military reconnaissance, and security monitoring. It has a wide range of applications in other fields. In addition, cooled infrared thermal imaging cameras can also be used in fields such as medical diagnosis and scientific research. Uncooled infrared thermal imaging cameras are widely used in thermal imaging, fire alarm, industrial detection, security monitoring and other fields. For example, in the field of thermal imaging, uncooled infrared thermal imaging cameras can be used to detect heat distribution in buildings and equipment, thereby improving energy efficiency and safety.

Performance: Cooled infrared thermal imaging cameras have the characteristics of high sensitivity, high resolution, high response speed and wide band response. At the same time, because the cooling temperature of the detection element is very low, it can reduce the impact of thermal noise and improve the sensitivity and resolution of the detector. Rate. Uncooled infrared thermal imaging cameras have the characteristics of small size, light weight, and low price. At the same time, because they do not require a refrigeration system, uncooled infrared thermal imaging cameras are easier to manufacture and use.

Price and lifespan: The price of the refrigerated infrared thermal imaging camera is relatively high, mainly because it needs to work with a refrigerator and has high requirements on the quality and performance of the components. The price of uncooled thermal imaging cameras is relatively low, mainly because of their low manufacturing and maintenance costs. In terms of life, the life of uncooled infrared thermal imaging cameras is generally longer than that of cooled infrared thermal imaging cameras, but it is necessary to pay attention to the impact of component aging on measurement accuracy.

Power consumption: Since the refrigerated infrared thermal imaging camera requires a refrigerator to work together, its power consumption is relatively large. Uncooled infrared thermal imaging cameras do not require an additional cooling system, so their power consumption is relatively small.

To sum up, which type of infrared thermal imaging camera to choose depends on the specific scenario and application requirements. If high-performance infrared detection is required, such as in military reconnaissance, missile guidance and other fields, then a cooled infrared thermal imaging camera may be a better choice. If it is needed in some low-cost, portable applications, such as industrial detection, fire alarm and other fields, then uncooled infrared thermal imaging cameras have more advantages.