Hollywood has played a significant role in the popularization of both night vision and thermal imaging technology over the last two decades. The question is, however: “Where did it all start?”

Kálmán Tihanyi invented thermal imaging in 1929 for anti-aircraft defense in Britain following World War I. When word of the Evaporograph’s effectiveness spread, it grew in the United States, where the US military developed the first infrared line scanner as early as 1947.

Fast forward to modern-day 2022 and this technology has not only evolved considerably but is also available to the general public through vendors who specialize in the sale and distribution of Infrared Thermal Cameras.

(What is Infrared? Normally, our vision is limited to a very small portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Thermal energy has a much longer wavelength than visible light. So long, in fact, that the human eye can’t even see it, just like we can’t see radio waves. Courtesy of Teledyne FLIR and YouTube.)

Technology Behind Thermal Imaging Cameras

The marvel behind this technology lies with the detection of radiation, in this case, heat radiation. Thermal imaging cameras convert thermal energy into visible light to evaluate a specific object. The resulting image is known as a thermogram, and it is studied using a technique known as thermography. Thermal imaging cameras are complex equipment that processes and display the acquired image on a screen.

These photos can be used for fast diagnosis or can be processed using software for additional evaluation and accuracy. Thermal imaging cameras take temperature measurement to the next level; instead of a number, you receive a visual of the temperature variations on a surface.

Every day, we are exposed to visible light. It is the only visible component of the electromagnetic spectrum. Visible light occupies a small portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, but infrared radiation (IR) occupies a greater portion. Using a Thermal Imaging Camera, you can see what’s going on in other regions of the light spectrum.

(For example, see “Thermal 101” using the FLIR ONE! What is thermal, what can you do with it, and how can the FLIR ONE help? Courtesy of Teledyne FLIR and YouTube.)

At various levels, all objects absorb, reflect, and sometimes transfer energy. Different materials emit heat radiation at varying rates. It is this radiation that can be recognized by the camera’s sensors and shown as images by the infrared equipment.

At a component level, Infrared Thermal Cameras lenses are manufactured using specialized materials. The lenses are not made from glass, like your typical DSLR camera. Instead, they are manufactured using a binary compound called chalcogenide. This typically contributes to most of the manufacturing cost.

Typical Uses for Thermal Imagining Cameras

Thermal imaging cameras have migrated into various industries and have many applications. Firefighters use them to see through smoke, locate people, and pinpoint fire hotspots. The technology is used by law enforcement to oversee surveillance operations, find, and apprehend suspects, examine crime scenes, and execute search and rescue operations.

(For further example meet the FLIR Ranger® HDC MR, a new high-definition midrange surveillance system for border, troop, and infrastructure security. Courtesy of Teledyne FLIR and YouTube.)

Overheating parts are identified by power line technicians to eliminate potential failures. When thermal insulation fails, building construction specialists can detect heat leaks and increase cooling or heating efficiencies.

Thermographic imaging can also be used to monitor physiological activity such as fever in humans and other warm-blooded animals. Home inspectors frequently utilize them as well since any random occurrence of heat in a home, signals concern. The applications are nearly endless. Every manufacturing plant in the world could benefit from this technology too.

Thermal imaging cameras can be purchased with the most basic features, which only read the temperature of the fixed center crosshairs on the display, or with more advanced features, which allow the user to select multiple moveable crosshairs and draw comparisons between them to show the high, low, and average temperatures on the display.

(Check out the MUVE™ C360, a multi-gas detector completely integrated with a UAS for real-time continuous monitoring of chemical hazards while on the move, is a time-saving, game-changer for emergency responders, industrial safety officers, and environmental monitoring experts. Courtesy of Teledyne FLIR and YouTube.)

Limitations of Thermal Imaging Technology

Thermal imaging cameras cannot see through the glass because thermal radiation can be reflected off glossy surfaces. Thermal imaging cameras can collect information about the inside of a wall but cannot see through it.

It is also vital to understand that thermal imaging cameras should not be utilized as the sole determinant of whether an issue exists.

With infra-red-based technologies, the disadvantage is that its range at night is limited by the distance that the scene can be lighted. Furthermore, because they are projecting energy, these devices consume more electrical power.

In Short

With the many applications that are possible with this revolutionary technology, it is always important to investigate and choose the most efficient product for your specific application. Secondly, choosing a vendor who supplies high-quality products will add significant value for money in the long run.

(FLIR now gives you two new lower-cost, easier-to-use options without sacrificing the reliable clarity and performance that FLIR K-Series TICs are well-known for. The K33 and K53 feature FLIR’s FSX™ Flexible Scene Enhancement which intensifies structural and textural details in thermal images for better perspective and orientation to help improve situational awareness and give firefighters a greater sense of confidence and safety. Courtesy of Teledyne FLIR and YouTube.)

To Learn More, please visit www.flir.com.

Teledyne FLIR Returns to Compete in 7th ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program

American Security Today’s Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program, and now in its Seventh Year, continues to recognize industry leaders of Physical and Border Security, Cybersecurity, Emergency Preparedness – Management and Response, Law Enforcement, First Responders, as well as federal, state and municipal government agencies in the acknowledgment of their outstanding efforts to Keep our Nation Secure.

Teledyne FLIR

Best CBRNE Detection Solution

• identiFINDER R700

• The Teledyne FLIR identiFINDER R700, introduced in June 2021, is a Backpack Radiation Detector (BRD) that fills a need in the operational deployment of radiation detectors.

• The R700 builds upon years of tried and true spectroscopic algorithms applied to a man-portable backpack detection system for accurate and reliable results.

• The R700’s lightweight, flexible and portable design allows users to configure the system as either an unmarked backpack or a stationary device, enabling mission sets from wide-area searches to temporary checkpoints.

• With its nondescript backpack form-factor and phone-based user interface, operators detect radiological threats covertly, even in a crowd.

• The identiFINDER R700 which is a recent recipient of a U.S. government award, provides the capabilities required to successfully perform wide-area searches quickly and efficiently while offering exceptional sensitivity, communication, and trusted spectroscopic algorithms in a lightweight, ergonomic form-factor.

(The FLIR identiFINDER R700 Backpack Radiation Detector (BRD) offers new spectroscopic broad-search capabilities. Once dismounted, the identiFINDER R700 provides the capabilities required to successfully perform wide-area searches quickly and efficiently while offering exceptional sensitivity, communication, and trusted spectroscopic algorithms in a lightweight, ergonomic form-factor. Courtesy of Teledyne FLIR and YouTube.)

• *FLIR Systems has now been recognized in all Six Consecutive Years of the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards.

The United States was forever changed 20 years ago on September 11th, and we were fortunate to have many of those who responded to those horrific tragedies join us at the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon.

In the days that followed 9/11, the critical needs of protecting our country catapulted us into new and innovative ways to secure our homeland – which is how many of the agencies and enterprise organizations that are today ‘ASTORS’ Awards Champions, came into being.

Our 2021 keynote speaker featured a moving and informative address from TSA Administrator and Vice-Admiral of the United States Coast Guard (Ret), David Pekoske; to our attendees who traveled from across the United States and abroad, on the strategic priorities of the 64,000 member TSA workforce in securing the transportation system, enabling safe, and in many cases, contactless travel.

Legendary Police Commissioner William Bratton of the New York Police Department, the Boston Police Department, and former Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department was also live at the event, meeting with attendees and signing copies of his latest work ‘The Profession: A Memoir of Community, Race, and the Arc of Policing in America,’ courtesy of the generosity of our 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Premier Sponsors.

The 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is Proudly Sponsored by New PLATINUM SPONSOR: NEC National Security Systems (NSS), New Premier Sponsors Rajant Corporation, and guardDog AI, and returning Sponsors to date, Automatic Systems, RX Global, and SIMS Software!

The continually evolving ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program will emphasize the trail of Accomplished Women in Leadership in 2022, as well as the Significance and Positive Impact of Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in our Next Generation of Government and Industry Leaders. #MentorshipMatters

So be on the lookout for exciting upcoming announcements of Speakers, Presenters, Book Signing Opportunities, and Attendees at the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon in November of 2022 in New York City!

Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards at https://americansecuritytoday.com/ast-awards/.

Comprehensive List of Categories Include:

Access Control/ Identification	Personal/Protective Equipment	Law Enforcement Counter Terrorism
Perimeter Barrier/ Deterrent System	Interagency Interdiction Operation	Cloud Computing/Storage Solution
Facial/IRIS Recognition	Body Worn Video Product	Cyber Security
Video Surveillance/VMS	Mobile Technology	Anti-Malware
Audio Analytics	Disaster Preparedness	ID Management
Thermal/Infrared Camera	Mass Notification System	Fire & Safety
Metal/Weapon Detection	Rescue Operations	Critical Infrastructure
License Plate Recognition	Detection Products	COVID Innovations
Workforce Management	Government Security Programs	And Many Others to Choose From!

Don’t see a Direct Hit for your Product, Agency or Organization?

Submit your category recommendation for consideration to Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at: mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.

In 2021 over 200 distinguished guests representing Federal, State and Local Governments, and Industry Leading Corporate Firms gathered from across North America, Europe, and the Middle East to be honored among their peers in their respective fields which included:

• The Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

• ICE Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI)

• Customs & Border Protection (CBP)

• The Federal Protective Service (FPS)

• Argonne National Laboratory (ANL)

• DHS Science & Technology (S&T)

• The National Center for Disaster Medicine & Public Health (NCDMPH)

• The American Red Cross

• The InfraGard National Alliance

• The Metropolitan Police (MPD)

• The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA)

• Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS)

• The Federal Air Marshals Service

• The San Diego Harbor Police Foundation, and Many More!

Corporate firms, the majority of which return year to year to build upon their record of accomplishment include:

AlertMedia, Allied Universal, AMAROK, ATI Systems, Attivo Networks, Axis Communications, Automatic Systems of America, BriefCam, Canon U.S.A., Fortior Solutions, guardDog.ai, Hanwha Techwin of America, HID Global, Mark43, IPVideo Corporation, Konica Minolta Business Solutions, Lumina Analytics, NEC National Security Systems, NICE Public Safety, OnSolve, PureTech Systems, Quantum Corporation, Rave Mobile Safety, Regroup Mass Notification, Robotic Assistance Devices, Rajant Corporation, SafeLogic, Senstar Corporation, ShotSpotter, Singlewire Software, SolarWinds Worldwide, Teledyne FLIR, Valor Systems, and Wiresecure, just to name a few!

Register for the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Luncheon Today

American Security Today is delighted to announce, that Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner (DEAC) Diane J. Sabatino of the Office of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), will be the opening keynote speaker at the much-anticipated 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon, on Wednesday, November 16th, 2022.

American Security Today’s Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program, and now in its Seventh Year, continues to recognize industry leaders of Physical and Border Security, Cybersecurity, Emergency Preparedness – Management and Response, Law Enforcement, First Responders, as well as federal, state and municipal government agencies in the acknowledgment of their outstanding efforts to Keep our Nation Secure.

To take advantage of this exclusive luncheon opportunity to invite your team, guests, clients, and show visitors to a gourmet, affordable, plated meal event in the heart of New York City, for a fabulous networking opportunity!

Go to https://americansecuritytoday.com/product/awards-luncheon/ to secure your seat or reserve a table. ***Limited space available so Register Today. There will be no on-site registrations.

Your ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon registration includes complimentary attendee access to ISC East where you can meet the world’s most innovative suppliers and cyber experts, immerse yourself in hands-on tech and learn from world-renowned speakers and thought-leaders.

Why American Security Today?

The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast-changing security landscape.

American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 75,000 readers at the Federal, State, and local levels of government as well as firms allied to the government.

American Security Today brings forward a fresh compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that hold readers’ eyes throughout the story with cutting-edge editorial that provides solutions to their challenges.

Harness the Power of the Web – with our 100% Mobile Friendly Publications

AST Digital Publications are distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals, in federal, state, local, and private security sectors.

‘PROTECTING OUR NATION, ONE CITY AT A TIME’

AST Reaches both Private & Public Experts, essential to meeting these new challenges.

Today’s new generation of public safety and security experts need real-time knowledge to deal with domestic and international terrorism, lone wolf attacks, unprecedented urban violence, shifts in society, culture, and media bias – making it increasingly difficult for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security Professionals to implement coordinated security measures to ensure national security and improve public safety.

These experts are from Government at the federal, state, and local level as well as from private firms allied to the government.

AST provides a full plate of topics in our AST Monthly Magazine Editions, AST Website, and AST Daily News Alerts, covering 23 Vital Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities, and Emergency Response among others.

AST has Expanded readership into integral Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.

Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.

(See just a few highlights of American Security Today’s 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon at ISC East. Courtesy of My Pristine Images and Vimeo.)

To learn more about ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winners solutions, please see the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2021 ‘A Year in Review’.

The Annual CHAMPIONS edition includes a review of Annual ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firm’s products and services, including video interviews and more.

It serves as your Go-To Source throughout the year for ‘The Best of 2021 Products and Services‘ endorsed by American Security Today, and can satisfy your agency’s and/or organization’s most pressing Homeland Security and Public Safety needs.

From Physical Security (Access Control, Critical Infrastructure, Perimeter Protection, and Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Management Systems), to IT Security (Cybersecurity, Encryption, Data Storage, Anti-Malware and Networking Security – Just to name a few), the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION has what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitigate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.

It also includes featured guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders, and recognized firms in the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.

• For a complete list of 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Award Winners, begin HERE.

For more information on All Things American Security Today, as well as the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, please contact Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.

AST strives to meet a 3 STAR trustworthiness rating, based on the following criteria:

• Provides named sources
• Reported by more than one notable outlet
• Includes supporting video, direct statements, or photos

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