Applications
Originally developed for military use during the Korean War, thermographic cameras have slowly migrated into other fields as varied as medicine and archeology. More recently, the lowering of prices have helped fuel the adoption of infrared viewing technology. Advanced optics and sophisticated software interfaces continue to enhance the versatility of IR cameras.
- Astronomy, in devices such as the Spitzer Space Telescope
- Night vision
- Thermal Weapon Sight
- Firefighting operations
- Military and police target detection & acquisition
- Law enforcement and anti-terrorism
- Predictive maintenance (early failure warning) on mechanical & electrical equipment
- Process monitoring
- Condition monitoring & surveillance
- Automotive applications
- Energy auditing of building insulation and detection of refrigerant leaks
- Roof inspection
- Auditing of acoustic insulation for sound reduction
- Masonry wall structural analysis
- Veterinary Thermal Imaging
- Moisture detection in walls & roofs (and thus in turn often part of mold remediation)
- Chemical imaging
- Medical testing for diagnosis
- Nondestructive testing
- Quality control in production environments
- Research & development of new products
- Pollution effluent detection
- Locating unmarked graves
- Aerial archaeology
- Paranormal investigation
- Search and rescue operations
- Technical surveillance counter-measures
- Quarantine monitoring of visitors to a country
- Flame detector
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