In creating a portable thermal imaging camera whose picture quality is better than any other model on the market, FLIR Systems was able to factor in far more than just superior detector technology. In addition to the 640 x 480 pixel detector and brand new software, the ThermaCAM P640 also features high-powered lenses, developed and manufactured in-house by FLIR Systems. No infrared specialist other than FLIR Systems has this facility.
The optics of an infrared camera are designed in a similar way to those of a normal camera. However, simple glass cannot be used as it is not a good transmitter of infrared radiation. In most cases the lens is made of germanium, a material that has excellent mechanical properties in the infrared waveband. For manufacturing reflecting surfaces, mirrors, spherical and aspherical types of lenses, FLIR Systems operates two diamond-turning machines on a three-shift system.
The resultant high-powered lenses for the ThermaCAM P640 have naturally been designed to take full advantage of this flagship camera’s high-resolution focal plane array sensor. A full range of lenses is available including 12º, 25º, 45º and close-up .5x 50-micron microscope lens. These lenses have an integral ultrasonic motor focussing mechanism, a facility commonly used by professional photographers. This enables the operator to employ either electronic or manual focussing to achieve the desired result.