Evolution of IR Cameras

Airborne forward-looking infrared (FLIR) systems using cryogenically cooled, InSb (3-5 pm) linear focal plane arrays were available as early as the 1960s. The arrays were oriented normal to the aircraft s flight and used this push broom scanning approach to produce aerial IR maps. They were massive and eostly. 

The use of the staring array eliminated the need for scanning optics and all of the dynamics and complexity they entail. Detector cooling, however, was still required, and the temperature measuring capability was not yet available. 

Uncooled long-wave IRFPA cameras were developed in the mid-1990s. These featured uncooled microbolometric and ferroelectric detector arrays (8-14 pm). 

At this writing, full-featured IR cameras are commonly available that weigh less than 1 lb., are about the size of a hair blower, and are priced at less than 7000, with prices expected to drop even farther over the next few years. 

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