The core value and application of infrared (IR) optics lens

Infrared light is outside the visible spectrum and cannot be directly perceived by the human eye. Infrared optics technology gives us the ability to capture this light.

What is infrared optics?

Infrared optics covers all devices that can record, display and emit infrared radiation. Such devices rely on optical components such as infrared filters, reflectors and infrared lenses to capture infrared light.

Unlike ordinary camera lenses that capture visible light, infrared lenses are designed to detect infrared light that is difficult for the naked eye to detect, that is, electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths outside the visible spectrum.

In addition, infrared lenses form images based on the heat emitted by objects instead of visible light. Because infrared light is associated with heat, infrared lenses can record the heat signature of objects.

Infrared lenses are widely used in the industrial field. For example, medical personnel use them in thermal imaging cameras; electricians and building inspectors use infrared technology to find leaks, corrosion and other hidden dangers of building aging.

How do infrared lens work?

The human eye is an optical instrument whose sensor is the retina. Ordinary cameras work similarly, taking in visible spectrum radiation and converting it into an image. But ordinary cameras, like the human eye, cannot detect infrared light.

The solution is to use infrared cameras. These cameras require special lenses, infrared filters, and sensors to capture infrared light. The key point is that infrared camera lenses work differently than ordinary lenses.

Infrared lenses produce clear thermal images by capturing infrared light reflected from objects and directing it to the camera sensor. Infrared lenses can detect invisible heat or infrared radiation with wavelengths of 700 to 900 nanometers or longer.

Its core function is to focus the infrared radiation of the target onto the sensor. The sensor then generates an amplified electrical signal, which is ultimately converted into a detailed image. Therefore, infrared lenses rely on thermal radiation (infrared or heat) for imaging, and are usually made of materials such as silicon and chalcogenide glass that have low infrared light absorption and good light transmittance.

Main advantages of infrared lens

The core advantage of infrared lenses is their ability to capture images that are invisible to the human eye, which makes their imaging effects unique and different from ordinary lenses.

Other significant advantages include:

Low-light imaging: Effective operation in low-light environments is critical for security monitoring.

Clear imaging: The lens focal length matches visible light to ensure clear images.

Advanced optical technology: Modern optical design and LD optical glass are used to effectively eliminate the focal plane offset between near-infrared and visible light.

Concealed monitoring: Keep the lighting concealed during monitoring and hide the camera's viewing direction.

High penetration: Critical for machine vision and applications in smoke, dust, and fog environments.

Vibration resistance: Insensitive to medium-intensity vibrations.

High temperature resistance and accurate temperature measurement: Suitable for high-temperature scenes, providing high-precision temperature measurement.

Long-distance detection: The detection distance can reach 10 to 30 kilometers or more, suitable for long-distance lighting applications.

Breaking through visual limitations: Not constrained by the visible light range of the human eye.

Application areas of infrared lens

Infrared lenses are suitable for a variety of scenarios, including but not limited to:

Security: Thermal imagers are used to detect temperature differences between passengers and luggage.

Wildlife monitoring: Night vision tracking cameras record animal activities.

Art photography: Infrared cameras create unique artistic images.

Building inspection: Inspectors use infrared cameras to find building leaks and potential hazards.

Mobile thermal imaging: Thermal imagers connected to mobile phones via Bluetooth can see through obstacles.

Monitoring: Infrared cameras detect intruders or dangerous targets in dim light or restricted areas.

Fire rescue: Help firefighters identify the source of fire and locate trapped people in the fire.

Medical diagnosis: Assist veterinarians and medical personnel in detecting diseases and injuries.

Electrical safety: Engineers use electrical infrared cameras to identify dangerous live lines during construction or maintenance.

Building energy efficiency: Detect heat loss in buildings and evaluate their insulation performance, structural integrity and sustainability.

Summary

In summary, infrared cameras rely on special lenses that are sensitive to infrared thermal radiation. The core value of infrared lens is to capture information that is invisible to the human eye. It is not affected by high temperature environments and is suitable for long-distance lighting. With its unique performance, infrared lenses have been widely used in many fields such as surveillance cameras, thermal imaging equipment, and infrared photography.