Infrared Thermometer Features and Tips

A non-contact thermometer is an infrared thermometer that thermalescribes temperature from a specific portion of the infrared radiation emitted by the object to the eye, sometimes also called "black-body" radiation. The infrared radiation consists of long wavelengths (wavelike) and short ones (blue, green, and orange) traveling in all possible combinations with the human eye. Infrared thermometers have the ability to read these different infrared wavelengths. Because of this, the infrared thermometer can detect any change in temperature, even at temperatures as low as -200 degrees Fahrenheit.

The most common infrared thermometers are used to show temperature changes in various materials and liquids. This is because many materials release infrared radiation when heated. Larger objects release more radiation. Since the radiation has a unique pattern, the infrared thermometer can uniquely identify the item being tested. Some infrared thermometers use a scanning probe that comes in contact with the material being tested to directly measure its temperature.

There are several types of infrared thermometers. They include: infrared reflectometers, infrared transmitters, and infrared spectrometers. All infrared thermometers have an outer surface that contains a mirror like reflector. A sensitive probe inserted into the reflector produces infrared radiation that the sensor can identify.

Some infrared thermometers require direct contact with the sample or probe of heat change to make the reading. Most infrared thermometers have a glass plate or window that is open slightly to allow for this contact. The infrared rays on the infrared thermometer pass through this opening and come into direct contact with the glass plate or window. This heating process causes the glass to break down into tiny droplets that become absorbed by the infrared rays passing through. The measurement of the amount of heat absorbed is made.

In order to measure the temperature, infrared thermometers must be able to detect changes in temperature very quickly. The sensitivity of these thermometers to temperature changes is determined by the type of reflector used. The most sensitive infrared thermometers are those using a quartz crystal reflector. These reflectors can only sense changes in temperature at a rate of 100 times per second. They work great for making temperature measurements in applications that need them such as electronics.

It's important to keep your infrared thermometers clean and dust free. Dust can actually reduce the accuracy of your reading. Keeping the glass clean on your infrared thermometer allows for maximum performance. These thermometers are designed to be functional with minimal maintenance. When they are cared for properly they last for many years to come.  Take a look at this link: https://www.dictionary.com/browse/thermometer for more information about this topic.