The usage of thermal imaging sensors in thermostats to check facial temperatures for contactless COVID-19 screening at building doors has lately exploded. These sensors detect and take photos of the heat signatures of human bodies and other subjects.
In light of these improvements, the smartphone industry is currently considering adding these sensors as portable features. This would enable users to use an add-on function of evaluating temperature in real-time. Further, the idea could also be applied to autonomous vehicles, thus facilitating safer autonomous driving.
Recently, the research team has developed a thermal imaging sensor to overcome all the current technical problems, including price and operating-temperature limitations. The sensor can considerably contribute to the Smart Thermostat Market as it does not need a cooling device and would be relatively more affordable. Further, this innovation could also open up paths for the technology to be integrated into smartphones and autonomous vehicles.
The device created by the team shows evidence of being stable at 100 degrees Celsius. It works by detecting and converting the infrared light generated with the help of heat into electrical signals. The process eliminated the requirement of a cooling device that accounts for 10 per cent of the thermal imaging sensors cost while also consuming a massive amount of energy.
The team added that their device has an equal level of infrared light at 100 degrees Celsius at room temperature. Moreover, the test undertaken showed that the device could detect heat signatures at three times more sensitivity and convert them into electrical signals. This was accomplished due to the fabrication and use of infrared absorbers resulting in absorption of most of the external infrared light.
Further, the device demonstrated a response time of 3 milliseconds even when it is at 100 degrees Celsius. The statistic is around 3-4 times better than any conventional system present today. This high-response speed also facilitates the device to receive images at 100 frames per second, which is way higher than the average rate of 30-40 rates per second. This aspect of the device will also be beneficial if it is to be used within autonomous vehicles.
The technology presented by the team is no less than a breakthrough as it can significantly reduce the manufacturing cost of thermal imaging sensors. The device has superior operating speed and responsiveness than any given conventional system, which could also increase the market demand for thermal-imaging sensors.