DIY Thermal Vision

Pictures from thermal cameras can have a creative, artistic feel.

Thermal images serve a variety of purposes in the military and surveillance, as well as in many other fields where people have to work in extreme darkness and conditions such as fog or snow. These images pick up the heat signal of people, animals and objects by using a camera that can see into the infrared portion of the spectrum. All objects, humans and animals give off an amount of thermal radiation that these devices can pick up. Although thermal imaging cameras can be purchased, they can come with a price. A more cost effective alternative is building your own with a digital camera or webcam.

Things You'll Need

• Processed film negative
• Screwdrivers
• Glue stick
• Scissors
• Digital camera or webcam
• Industrial strength glue

Instructions

1. Cut a film negative approximately to the size of a large postage stamp. Use scissors to cut the piece of processed film negative in half. You should have two small square pieces approximately the size of quarters.

2. Remove the battery from the digital camera. If you are using a webcam, unplug the webcam from the power source.

3. Use a screwdriver to take apart your digital camera or webcam. A webcam is generally glued together and you may have to pry it apart with a flathead screwdriver. Be careful not to break any of the components inside the camera.

4. Determine the location of the lens assembly to further locate the rectangular-shaped charged couple device, also known as the CCD. This device is responsible for creating the images in the camera and generally has a red-tinted piece of plastic or glass attached to it that serves as the infrared filter.

5. Remove the infrared filter using the flat head screwdriver to pry the piece loose and off. Make sure not to damage the CCD.

6. Secure the pieces of film negative to the same position as the infrared filter. Use a small amount of glue from a non-toxic glue stick to attach the film negative to the CCD.

7. Reassemble the camera using the screws provided and a screwdriver. Use industrial strength glue to reattach the two webcam portions if you are using a webcam.

8. Insert the batteries in your digital camera. Plug the camera into a power source, if you are using a webcam. Take pictures with the thermal camera in a room that is in complete darkness.

Tips & Warnings

• Once you modify the camera, you will most likely be unable to use it as a regular camera again. Using a cheap webcam can be a better option if you do not want to risk harming an expensive digital camera.

• Handle the film negatives by their edges as to not leave fingerprints on them.

References

• Geek Technique: How to Turn a Digital Camera into an IR-camera
• Moro Vision Night Vision: How Thermal Imaging Works