640x512 Resolution Uncooled Thermal Camera Module with 8~14μm Spectral Range and 30mK NETD

Infrared detectors work by sensing electromagnetic radiation in the infrared range. The exact mechanism of detection varies depending on the type of infrared detector.

Thermal detectors work by measuring the temperature change caused by absorbing the infrared radiation. For example, microbolometers consist of a matrix of tiny resistive elements that are sensitive to heat. When infrared radiation is absorbed by the detector, it causes the temperature of the resistive element to increase, resulting in a change in electrical resistance that can be detected and converted into an image.

Photon detectors, on the other hand, work by converting photons from the infrared radiation into electrical signals. Two common types of photon detectors are photovoltaic detectors and photoconductors. Photovoltaic detectors generate a voltage when infrared photons are absorbed, while photoconductors increase their conductivity when photons are absorbed.

Infrared detectors can also utilize other detection mechanisms, such as pyroelectricity, where changes in temperature induce a charge in a material, or thermoelectric effects, where a temperature difference between two materials generates a voltage.

The output signal from the infrared detector can be processed and displayed as an image, which can be used for a variety of purposes, such as thermal imaging in medical or industrial applications, remote sensing of the environment, and thermal scanning in security systems.