Infrared thermopile detectors are used to take non-contact temperature measurements based on the infrared (IR) energy an object emits. They are made up of small sensors called thermocouples, and when in contact with IR, they produce an electric voltage. Infrared thermopile detectors have an important role in various industries and are frequently used for industrial manufacturing processes and environmental monitoring applications. This blog post will provide an introduction to infrared thermopile detectors, along with their advantages and applications.

Understanding Infrared Radiation

Before diving into how IR thermopile detectors work, it’s important to understand the basics of infrared radiation. Infrared radiation is a type of energy with wavelengths longer than visible light but shorter than radio waves, which fall in the range of 780nm and 1mm. So, although it is not visible to the human eye, it can be felt as heat. Every object emits infrared radiation, enabling researchers to understand properties such as heat distribution and temperature variations.

How Infrared Thermopile Detectors Work

The main components of infrared thermopile detectors are thermopile sensors, which operate based on the Seebeck effect principle. As mentioned, they comprise several thermocouples. Each thermocouple consists of at least two wires made from different metals, and at one end, the wires are joined together to form a junction. These wires produce a voltage proportional to the temperature gradient across their junctions. This signal can then be amplified, processed, and converted into meaningful temperature data.

Advantages and Limitations of Infrared Thermopile Detectors

There are many benefits to using infrared thermopile detectors, including non-contact temperature measurement, which enables remote sensing in challenging environments. Their fast response time enables real-time monitoring, while their high sensitivity ensures the detection of even subtle temperature changes. Furthermore, these detectors can be hermetically sealed, protecting them from environmental factors.

Recognizing Limitations

Despite their remarkable capabilities, infrared thermopile detectors have a few limitations. They typically operate within a specific spectral range, limiting their suitability for certain applications. Ambient temperature variations may affect accuracy, necessitating careful calibration and compensation techniques. Evaluating these limitations when selecting an appropriate detection solution is essential, as they may not suit every application.

Comparison with Other Infrared Detectors

Infrared thermopile detectors provide distinct advantages over other types of infrared sensors, such as bolometers or pyroelectric detectors. Thermopiles offer greater sensitivity, a wider field of view, and higher temperature measurement capabilities, making them ideal for various scientific and industrial applications.

Infrared Thermopile Detectors from Dexter Research Centre

Dexter Research Center, a pioneer in infrared thermopile detectors since 1977, leads the industry with an extensive selection of cutting-edge thermopiles. The product line includes high-quality Bismuth-Antimony thin-film and silicon-based thermopile detectors renowned for their superior performance and reliability.

Not only do we offer an exceptional range of standard products, but we also specialize in custom thermopile detectors and modules. Their expertise ensures tailored solutions for specific application requirements, while their commitment to quality and reliability guarantees unrivaled performance.

Contact us today for more information about the thermopile detectors we offer.