Infrared imaging - an overview on its multifarious possibilities and applications in IGCAR

Abstract

Temperature is a significant parameter playing a key role in all spheres of human and universal activity. A temperature based non destructive test method is termed as Infrared imaging or thermal imaging or thermography. Based on the detection of infrared radiation, this NDT method has evolved into a mature technique with a gamut of applications ranging from infrared astronomy of predictive condition management in industries, materials characterisation, surveillance and healthcare. Spanning a period of about 15 years, IR imaging has been successfully applied for solving a wide variety of problems and exploring many interesting applications at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam. This article provides a brief overview of some of the interesting applications. Apart form highlighting the application areas, the paper also highlights the precautions to be taken during experimentation.