Types of Infrared Thermometers

Temperature can be measured in a number of different ways, and the infrared thermometer does it by analyzing infrared radiation that comes off of an object. Nearly every object emits infrared radiation, which makes these thermometers great for accurately measuring temperature. There are many different types of these thermometers.

Spot Infrared Thermometer

The Spot Infrared Thermometer focuses a laser onto a small point of the object. It reads the infrared radiation coming from this point and measures temperature that way.

Infrared Line Scanning Systems

These infrared thermometers work similarly to the Spot Infrared Thermometer. Instead of focusing on one small spot, though, this thermometer uses mirrors to reflect its laser onto a wider surface for analysis.

Infrared Camera

When large areas need to be read for temperature instead of objects or small parts of an object, an infrared camera is used. These create a 2-D image of an area of space, mapping temperature throughout it.

Portable Infrared Thermometer

Portable infrared sensors are small versions of the types mentioned above. They are great for use in the field or in doctor's offices for reading a patient's temperature.

Permanent Infrared Thermometers

Permanent thermometers are larger, mounted thermometers. These are usually infrared cameras that are meant to constantly monitor an area, such as the perimeter around a military base.