Thermal

Thermal imaging / sensor systems

ARLE bv offers thermal systems for both weapons and non-weapons applications:

Thermal systems, like all technology, have varying levels of performance that should be evaluated proir to purchase. This is no more difficult than evaluating television sets or a computer before purchase.

Thermal technology education is a process. Generally, long wave infra red (lwir)/thermal imaging is broken into two general categories:

*3-5 micron lwir: This wavelength ir is know as “cooled” ir. It typically includes the use of advanced cryd coolers and is of significant cost and size. These systems would normally be used for military aircraft and vehicle applications.

Cooled thermal devices provide exceptional performance in a variety of environments. Detection of a man sized object with human temperature can exceed 3 kilometers.

*8-12 micron lwir: For handheld and tactical/individual use. This is the thermal technology best employed regarding cost, size and performance.

Advanced in “uncooled”; Wir performance readily allow for man sized detection to nearly 1 kilometer (tactical distances)

ARLE suggest reviewing parameters before purchasing a thermal device

Detector performance:
Pixel density dictates how many pixels, or micro thermometers, cover a given area. example: 320x240 detector=76,800 pixels (thermometers) 640x480=307,200 pixels.

Detector sensitivity:
A thermal detector is rated by temperature sensitivity via millikelvin (mk). The lower this figure is, the more sensitive the detector is to temperature variances.

Display quality:
Display quality will not increase device performance if a device has a 640x480 display. That does not deliver 640x480 detector performance. Ensure you educate yourself.