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TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Technical Articles
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Emissivity
Infrared
Theory
 Microbolometers
 support@optotherm.com
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 Technical Support
Microbolometers
Each OptoTherm thermal imaging camera contains an
infrared detector called a microbolometer. A microbolometer is an array of
tiny heat detecting sensors that are sensitive to infrared radiation from 7
to 14µm in wavelength. Each array element is approximately 25 x 25µm (0.025
x 0.025mm) in dimension. As infrared energy strikes an individual bolometer
element, the element increases in temperature, and its electrical resistance
changes. This resistance change is measured and then processed into
temperature values which can be represented graphically in an infrared
image.
Advantages
A
microbolometer is an uncooled thermal sensor; the detector array does not
need to be cooled in order to produce highly sensitive infrared images.
Photon detectors, such as InSb (Indium Antimonide) and MCT (Mercury Cadmium
Telluride) infrared detectors, can improve thermal sensitivity but require
the detector to be cooled to cryogenic temperatures utilizing cooling
methods such as Stirling cycle engines and liquid nitrogen. The use of
photon detectors increase the cost of infrared cameras, decrease
ease-of-use, and lead to more frequent and expensive maintenance.
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