Termografi

Thermography, or thermal imaging, is the measurement and visualization of surface temperatures by detecting infrared radiation emitted by objects. An infrared camera converts detected radiation into a thermogram, a color-coded map of temperatures. Because measurements depend on material emissivity, reflections, and ambient conditions, data must be calibrated and interpreted by trained personnel.

Thermography methods are broadly divided into passive and active approaches. Passive thermography records natural thermal emissions from objects as they reach thermal equilibrium with their environment. Active thermography applies external energy, such as brief heating or cooling, and analyzes the transient response to reveal subsurface features or defects. Detectors range from uncooled microbolometer arrays to cooled detectors that offer higher sensitivity.

Equipment and measurement considerations include emissivity settings, distance to the object, optics, atmosphere, and reflections, all of which affect accuracy. Calibration against known references and adherence to standard procedures are essential. Emissivity is material dependent; for example, human skin has a high emissivity, while polished metals may vary widely, influencing the recorded temperatures.

Applications span multiple fields. In industry, thermography supports electrical inspections, mechanical maintenance, and process monitoring. In building diagnostics, it aids energy audits, moisture detection, and insulation assessment. In research, it is used for material testing and heat transfer studies. Medical thermography is used as an adjunct in some screening contexts, but it is not a standalone diagnostic tool and regulatory acceptance varies by country.

History and development progressed with advances in infrared detector technology and imaging software during the 20th and 21st centuries, expanding the role of thermography across disciplines.