What is Infrared Temperature Measurement?
The infrared spectral range is an invisible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum extending from 0.7 to 1000 microns. Any object warmer than absolute zero (0 Kelvin) emits energy somewhere within this range. Infrared energy is also transmitted through objects from another source and reflected off the surface of an object. Infrared thermometers sense emitted, reflected, and transmitted energy from an object and translate this information into a temperature reading. In essence, energy passes through the units optical system and is converted to an electrical signal at the detector. The signal is displayed or converted to a standard output (F or C). Terminology There are two very important terms to understand when working with infrared thermometers: emissivity and distance-to-spot size ratio. Emissivity is the ratio of radiation emitted by a surface to the radiation emitted by a perfect black body at the same temperature. It is also described as an objects ability to emit or absorb infra
