Achieving thermography with a thermal security camera using uncooled amorphous silicon microbolometer image sensors

Yu-Wei Wang; Curtis Tesdahl; Jim Owens; David Dorn

doi:10.1117/12.919248

18 May 2012 Achieving thermography with a thermal security camera using uncooled amorphous silicon microbolometer image sensors

Yu-Wei Wang, Curtis Tesdahl, Jim Owens, David Dorn

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 8354, Thermosense: Thermal Infrared Applications XXXIV; 83540S (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.919248
Event: SPIE Defense, Security, and Sensing, 2012, Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Abstract

Advancements in uncooled microbolometer technology over the last several years have opened up many commercial applications which had been previously cost prohibitive. Thermal technology is no longer limited to the military and government market segments. One type of thermal sensor with low NETD which is available in the commercial market segment is the uncooled amorphous silicon (α-Si) microbolometer image sensor. Typical thermal security cameras focus on providing the best image quality by auto tonemaping (contrast enhancing) the image, which provides the best contrast depending on the temperature range of the scene. While this may provide enough information to detect objects and activities, there are further benefits of being able to estimate the actual object temperatures in a scene. This thermographic ability can provide functionality beyond typical security cameras by being able to monitor processes. Example applications of thermography^[2] with thermal camera include: monitoring electrical circuits, industrial machinery, building thermal leaks, oil/gas pipelines, power substations, etc...^[3][5] This paper discusses the methodology of estimating object temperatures by characterizing/calibrating different components inside a thermal camera utilizing an uncooled amorphous silicon microbolometer image sensor. Plots of system performance across camera operating temperatures will be shown.

Citation Download Citation

Yu-Wei Wang, Curtis Tesdahl, Jim Owens, and David Dorn "Achieving thermography with a thermal security camera using uncooled amorphous silicon microbolometer image sensors", Proc. SPIE 8354, Thermosense: Thermal Infrared Applications XXXIV, 83540S (18 May 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.919248

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