Thermal Imaging CCTV Cameras
Thermal
imaging cameras are used where standard CCTV cameras fail to perform optimally.
Humans need light, white light specifically, to be able to see. White light
passed through a prism breaks up in to various colours that we can see with our
eyes. The spectral range is between 3 and 6 microns (a very small portion) in
the electromagnetic spectrum.
Infrared is between 6 and 13 microns - twice the range. In order to see that spectrum, specialised equipment is needed. The thermal camera takes the thermal energy emitted from a body and converts it into an image that is visible. The thermal image is portrayed as a picture of heat.
Thermal cameras require no illumination. Shadows, which intruders often use to hide or move in, are thus eliminated.
The thermal camera detects temperature differences and an image of the person or object is delivered. With sensitivity levels of 0.08°C, subtle differences in temperature will form the defined image of the object.
With the technology provided by thermal imagers, the ability to see in pitch darkness and penetrate fog is possible. With the correct optics on a thermal camera human size
figures can be detected from as far as 30 km away.