Detectors have evolved from early unitary to multivariate, and from multivariate to focal plane in a slow process. Through opto-mechanical scanning, with the unit infrared detector can obtain the thermal image of the target, with multiple infrared detector can improve the performance of the system. In the infrared technology, materials technology and microelectronics technology, infrared detectors rapidly to the direction of the focal plane assembly (FPA). FPA has two main characteristics: First, the number of detector elements is so large that it can be placed directly on top of the telescope's focal plane without the need for opto-mechanical scanning structure; second, the detector signal readout, processing by the detector chip interconnected together with the completion of the integrated circuits. Infrared camera According to its detection technology and cooling mode has the following three types:
Unit optical scanning type
Using unit infrared detection technology and liquid nitrogen cooling, simple structure, is an early product, the majority of medical infrared camera used in the country are the type .
Electrocooled thermal imaging cameras
Using focal plane infrared detection technology and Stirling internal circulation cooling imaging, but the noise, easy to wear, short life, high cost of replacement of the cooler, generally used in military applications.
Non-cooled Focal Plane Array Type
Adopting the world's most advanced non-cooled focal plane array technology, it can be mass-produced, the cost and complexity of the components are greatly reduced, the reliability is improved, the scanning speed is fast, there is no noise, it can be used for long term continuous operation, it's small in size, light in weight, easy to carry, and it's the ideal development target.