Infrared thermal imaging camera to measure low temperature thermal fields

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Biophysics
• Optical Engineering

Background:

• Accurate measurement of low-temperature thermal fields is crucial for various scientific applications.
• Existing thermal imaging systems face challenges in precisely measuring sub-zero temperatures.
• Radiometric calibration is essential for reliable thermal data acquisition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel single-element cooled thermal imaging camera for precise low-temperature measurements.
• To enhance the accuracy of measuring cold objects using an improved internal radiometric calibration method.
• To validate the camera's performance in studying dynamic thermal processes in biological tissues.

Main Methods:

• Development of a cooled thermal imaging camera operating in the 8-14 μm spectral range.
• Integration of an internal shutter with a combined emissivity (blackened surface and mirror) for radiometric calibration.
• Utilizing differential detector response between shutter areas for signal processing.
• Experimental validation at temperatures as low as -150°C.

Main Results:

• Achieved a relative measurement error of 3% for objects at -150°C.
• The internal shutter design provided an effective radiation reference across a wide spectral range.
• Demonstrated successful remote thermal field dynamics monitoring during in vivo freeze-thawing of biological tissues.

Conclusions:

• The developed thermal imaging camera offers high accuracy for low-temperature measurements.
• The innovative internal calibration method enhances the reliability of thermal data for cold objects.
• The system is suitable for advanced research in biophysics and thermal dynamics.