IRtermometri

IRtermometri, or infrared thermometry, is the measurement of temperature by detecting infrared radiation emitted by objects, without direct contact. The temperature is inferred from radiance using a detector and a conversion that depends on the surface emissivity. Most common devices operate in the long-wave infrared region, around 8–14 micrometers, where atmospheric transmission is favorable and many materials emit efficiently.

There are two main forms. Infrared thermometers provide single-point temperature readings from a distance, while infrared cameras (thermography) produce two-dimensional maps of temperature. Handheld IR thermometers assume a fixed emissivity and are suitable for quick checks, whereas thermal cameras require emissivity settings and offer more diagnostic information.

Emissivity is a key parameter; real surfaces have emissivity values typically between 0.1 and 0.98. Because not all energy is emitted, measured radiance includes reflected ambient radiation, so readings must account for emissivity and, if possible, for the reflected temperature. Other important factors include distance-to-spot ratio, surface coatings or dirt, and environmental conditions.

Applications include industrial process control (monitoring pipes and mechanical components), electrical maintenance (hot spots in equipment), building diagnostics (insulation and moisture detection), and food safety (surface temperature checks). Medical screening uses infrared thermography in some settings but is not a substitute for clinical measurement.

Calibration employs traceable standards and blackbody references. The accuracy of infrared thermometry varies by device, typically within a fraction of a degree to several degrees Celsius, depending on emissivity control and measurement conditions. IRtermometri provides rapid, non-contact surface temperature assessment and is best used for trend detection and hotspot identification rather than core temperature measurement.