Based on the provided information, a thermal camera is designed to detect radiation with wavelengths greater than visible light, up to around 14,000 nm (or 14 µm).
Understanding Radiation Wavelengths
Light and other forms of electromagnetic radiation travel in waves, and the distance between the peaks of these waves is called the wavelength. Different wavelengths correspond to different types of radiation, such as visible light, infrared, ultraviolet, radio waves, etc.
- Nanometers (nm): Often used for shorter wavelengths like visible light. 1 nm is one billionth of a meter.
- Micrometers (µm): Also known as microns, used for longer wavelengths like infrared. 1 µm is one millionth of a meter (equal to 1,000 nm).
Thermal vs. Conventional Cameras
Conventional cameras capture visible light, which has wavelengths typically ranging from approximately 400 to 700 nm (or 0.4–0.7 µm). This is the light spectrum that the human eye can see.
In contrast, a thermal camera operates in a different part of the electromagnetic spectrum: the infrared range. Unlike conventional cameras that detect light reflected off objects, thermal cameras detect the infrared radiation (heat) emitted by objects.
The Thermal Wavelength Range
According to the reference, a thermal camera is specifically designed to detect radiation with greater wavelengths than visible light. This means their operational range begins where visible light ends, which is above approximately 700 nm (0.7 µm).
Crucially, the reference states that the wavelengths detected by a thermal camera extend up to around 14,000 nm (or 14 µm). This upper limit is a key characteristic of many common types of thermal cameras, particularly those operating in the Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR) spectrum.
| Camera Type | Primary Radiation Detected | Wavelength Range (based on reference) |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional | Visible Light | ~400 – 700 nm (0.4 – 0.7 µm) |
| Thermal | Infrared Radiation (Heat) | Greater than 700 nm, up to ~14,000 nm (14 µm) |
Key Takeaways on Thermal Camera Range
Based on the provided information, the range of a thermal camera can be characterized by:
- Detecting radiation beyond the visible light spectrum.
- Operating at wavelengths greater than approximately 700 nm (0.7 µm).
- Having an upper detection limit up to around 14,000 nm (or 14 µm).
In summary, thermal cameras are sensitive to longer wavelengths in the infrared part of the spectrum, specifically capturing radiation from above the visible light range up to approximately 14 µm, allowing them to visualize heat.
