Infrared Vision: Not All Cameras Can See It

Infrared cameras have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many people now utilising this technology for security, medical, and creative purposes. But do all cameras see infrared?

Infrared light has a longer wavelength than visible red light, and while humans cannot see it, many animals can. However, digital and mobile phone cameras can detect this light, and it is this feature that has led to the development of infrared CCTV cameras, which enhance security by improving visibility at night or in low-light conditions.

While traditional cameras capture images of objects radiating light that is visible to the human eye, infrared cameras capture what the human eye cannot see. They detect a particular range of invisible energy emissions and express each heat value or wavelength through a set of corresponding colours, creating a thermography image.

Infrared cameras are advantageous because they are not limited by darkness or obstructions like fog, and they do not require direct contact with the object being measured. They can also be used in daylight conditions.

Infrared cameras can be used for temperature screenings in workplaces and home inspections in real estate

Not all cameras can see infrared. However, infrared cameras have become increasingly popular and are now widely available at affordable prices.

Infrared Cameras in the Workplace

Infrared cameras have been used for temperature screenings in workplaces during the COVID-19 pandemic. They can be set up at entry points to screen employees and visitors for elevated temperatures, a potential symptom of COVID-19, in less than two seconds. While this technology can help prevent the spread of illness in the workplace, it is not foolproof, as infected individuals can slip through by taking fever-reducing medication.

Infrared Cameras in Home Inspections

Infrared cameras are also useful in home inspections. They can detect subtle temperature differences, which is helpful for identifying issues such as moisture in hard-to-see areas, heat signatures from insect swarms, and leaks in flat roofs or behind walls. Thermal imaging cameras can also be used to inspect electrical systems for abnormal heat signatures that could indicate excessive current flow or high resistance.

Infrared cameras for home inspections come in various types, including handheld cameras, smartphone attachments, and thermal drone cameras. When choosing a camera, it is important to consider factors such as size, resolution, temperature range, and accuracy.

IR imaging is useful for medical and veterinary professionals to identify injuries and illnesses

Infrared (IR) imaging is useful for medical and veterinary professionals to identify injuries and illnesses. It is a valuable tool for diagnosing and monitoring various medical conditions. Here are some ways in which IR imaging is beneficial in these fields:

Veterinary Medicine

In veterinary medicine, IR imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offer significant advantages over traditional radiography. CT scans provide detailed cross-sectional images, aiding in the detection of anomalies and improving diagnosis accuracy. MRI, on the other hand, excels at visualising soft tissues and is highly effective in studying anatomy and pathologic changes. It is particularly useful for examining the brain, spine, musculoskeletal system, and abdominal organs.

Additionally, nuclear medicine imaging, including positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), plays a crucial role in veterinary medicine. These techniques enable the detection of biological activities and provide functional information, which is valuable for diagnosing and monitoring diseases. PET is often used for oncology, neurology, and cardiology, while SPECT is useful for renal function assessment and the investigation of lameness in horses.

Human Medicine

In human medicine, IR imaging techniques such as CT and MRI are also widely used and offer similar benefits to veterinary applications. CT scans provide detailed cross-sectional images, which aid in the early detection and diagnosis of various conditions, including cancer, neurological disorders, and musculoskeletal injuries. MRI, with its ability to produce high-contrast images, is valuable for examining soft tissues and detecting abnormalities in organs such as the brain, spine, and internal organs.

Nuclear medicine imaging techniques, including PET and SPECT, are also used in human medicine. These techniques are particularly useful for detecting and monitoring cancer, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. By visualising biological activities and providing functional information, these techniques enhance diagnosis and treatment planning.

Electricians and building inspectors use IR technology to detect deterioration, corrosion, leaks, etc

Electricians and Building Inspectors Using IR Technology

Infrared (IR) cameras are an increasingly popular tool for electricians and building inspectors to detect deterioration, corrosion, leaks, and other potential dangers. IR technology offers a unique perspective, allowing users to visualise aspects of the environment that are invisible to the naked eye.

IR cameras are particularly useful for identifying electrical faults. Since electrical components almost always overheat before failing, IR cameras can identify problem areas by visualising temperature differences. Hotter spots are displayed as brighter colours, while cooler spots are shown as darker colours. This makes it easy for inspectors to identify overloaded circuits, loose connections, and other common causes of electrical fires.

In addition to electrical inspections, IR cameras can also be used to detect leaks. When moisture evaporates, it has a cooling effect on the surface, which can be detected by an IR camera. This technology is sensitive enough to identify very small or slow leaks.

IR cameras are also valuable for detecting issues such as missing or improperly installed insulation. The technology is non-contact, non-intrusive, fast, accurate, and can cover a lot of space in a single sweep. This makes it ideal for preventative maintenance inspections, as inspectors can quickly and safely identify problem areas before they cause serious issues or failures.

The portability of IR equipment is another advantage, allowing inspectors to easily carry out their work without interrupting power to the area. Furthermore, the ability of IR cameras to function in both darkness and daylight means they can be used in a variety of environments and lighting conditions.

In summary, IR cameras are a valuable tool for electricians and building inspectors, offering a safe, efficient, and detailed way to detect a range of issues, from electrical faults to leaks and insulation problems.

IR cameras can be used by law enforcement officers and hunters to detect security threats or predators

Infrared (IR) cameras are an invaluable tool for law enforcement officers and hunters. They can be used to detect security threats or predators and have a wide range of applications in both fields.

IR Cameras in Law Enforcement

IR cameras have become an essential tool for law enforcement officers, offering enhanced visibility in low-light or nighttime conditions. They can be used to quickly clear rooms, track suspects, and find discarded evidence, all while keeping officers out of harm's way. The ability to see heat signatures means that suspects or missing persons can be detected even in complete darkness or when obscured by foliage or other objects. This technology also helps officers identify potential hazards, such as fluid leaks or downed power lines at collision sites, improving their tactical advantage and personal safety.

IR cameras are also useful for surveillance, allowing officers to observe criminal activity discreetly from a distance without the need for ambient light. This helps build reasonable suspicion or probable cause and can be recorded as evidence. Additionally, thermal imaging can assist in collision investigations by identifying heat patterns on the roadway, even when skid marks are not visible.

IR Cameras in Hunting

Hunters also benefit from IR cameras, especially when hunting nocturnal or camouflaged animals. These cameras can detect the thermal energy emitted by warm-blooded animals, allowing hunters to spot their prey without the need for visible light. This is particularly useful for hunting invasive species, such as feral hogs, which are less active during the day. IR cameras also aid in understanding animal behaviour and population dynamics, making them a valuable tool for wildlife conservationists.

Fixed-mount IR cameras can be triggered by wildlife, sending alerts to hunters, while unmanned IR cameras mounted on aerial drones can track and identify animal trends across large landscapes. IR cameras help hunters spot big game, track prey, and even spot other hunters to maintain safety.

Infrared cameras can be used for artistic photography

Infrared photography is a fascinating way to capture the world, revealing details that are invisible to the naked eye. The human eye can only see wavelengths from about 400nm to 700nm (from purple to red), but infrared light exists beyond this, in the 700nm to 1200nm range. This is known as "near-infrared", to distinguish it from "far-infrared", which is used in thermal imaging.

Infrared photography produces very distinct effects, making it aesthetically pleasing and highly sought after in artistic photography. One of the most striking differences is the "Wood Effect", where leaves reflect infrared light, giving them a bright white hue in IR photos. This effect is named after photographer Robert W. Wood, considered the father of infrared photography. Landscapes, in particular, can benefit from this effect, resulting in surreal colour landscapes or high-contrast black-and-white photographs.

Infrared photography can also be used for portraiture, softening skin and reducing the appearance of blemishes. It can lend a ghostly vibe to human subjects, as people appear very white.

The unique effects of infrared photography have been utilised by many artists, including Sandro Martini, who uses IR photography to capture his images as if they were fine-art paintings. In the 1960s, infrared photography was popular with recording artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Donovan, Frank Zappa, and the Grateful Dead, who all issued albums with infrared cover photos. The unexpected colours and effects of infrared film fit well with the psychedelic aesthetic of that time.

Infrared photography can be achieved with either infrared film or a digital camera. Modern digital sensors are sensitive to wavelengths between 300nm and 1200nm. Manufacturers typically integrate "IR cut filters" to block UV and IR light and improve colour fidelity. However, these filters are not perfect, and by using long exposure times, it is possible to capture infrared photos with some digital cameras. Specialised IR filters can also be attached to the lens of a regular camera to block the visible spectrum of light and allow IR light through.

For a more permanent solution, a camera can be converted to capture infrared by removing the IR cut filter and replacing it with an IR pass filter. This modification allows the camera to be fully sensitive to infrared light and eliminates the need for long exposure times and external filters. However, this option is more expensive and cannot be undone.

Frequently asked questions