Unlocking the Power of FLIR Thermal Imaging for Science & R&D

Understanding Infrared and Its Importance 

FLIR, which stands for Forward Looking Infrared, is at the forefront of thermal imaging technology. Infrared radiation is emitted by all objects based on their temperature, making it a powerful tool for non-contact thermal measurement. Thermal imaging enables researchers to visualize heat distribution, detect small temperature changes, and analyse dynamic thermal processes. This capability is crucial in scientific research, enabling the precise monitoring of thermal properties in various materials and applications. By offering insights into heat flow and temperature variations, FLIR technology aids in optimizing processes across different industries, including energy efficiency, material science, and electronics development. 

Butler Technologies, Your FLIR Partner in Ireland 

For over 25+ years, Butler Technologies has worked along side FLIR’s cutting-edge thermal imaging solutions in Ireland and becoming a Master Distributor in recent years. We have supported universities, research institutions, and innovation centers such as Tyndall, helping them harness FLIR’s technology for scientific discovery. Our experience allows us to guide researchers and engineers in selecting the right thermal imaging solutions, ensuring they receive the most accurate and reliable data for their specific applications. By partnering with Butler Technologies, clients benefit from expert consultation, hands-on demonstrations, and ongoing technical support tailored to their needs provided by Our Level 3 Master Thermographer David Doyle.  

A Brief History of FLIR 

Founded in 1978, FLIR has revolutionized thermal imaging across multiple sectors. While its roots include military applications, its primary focus today is on advancing science, R&D, and industrial innovation. From aerospace to material science, FLIR’s thermal cameras offer unparalleled insights into complex thermal behaviours. Over the years, FLIR has expanded its capabilities, developing specialized cameras that cater to a wide range of applications, including environmental monitoring, precision manufacturing, and even medical diagnostics. The ongoing innovation in sensor technology and software integration ensures that FLIR remains at the forefront of thermal imaging solutions, continuously pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery. 

Cooled vs. Uncooled Thermal Cameras 

One of the key distinctions in FLIR’s thermal imaging technology lies in cooled and uncooled cameras. 

• Cooled Cameras: These operate with a cryogenically cooled sensor, significantly enhancing sensitivity and frame rate. Ideal for research applications requiring precise thermal measurements at high speed. Cooled cameras are particularly useful in high-speed imaging and low-light conditions, where detecting minute temperature differences is essential. 

• Uncooled Cameras: Equipped with microbolometer sensors, these are cost-effective, robust, and suitable for general thermal analysis where extreme sensitivity is not required. Uncooled cameras are widely used in applications such as building diagnostics, electrical inspections, and industrial monitoring, providing reliable performance at a lower cost. 

(Automation will be the subject of a future blog.) 

Real-World Application: Queen’s University Belfast Case Study 

At Queen’s University Belfast, Butler Technologies provided a FLIR A8583 cooled thermal camera to study the electrocaloric effect. This phenomenon involves temperature changes in dielectric materials when subjected to an electric field. Using FLIR’s high-speed thermal imaging, researchers could observe real-time thermal fluctuations, helping them develop future energy-efficient cooling systems. 

This study was based on prior research, including Direct Visualization of Anti-Ferroelectric Switching Dynamics via Electrocaloric Imaging and Direct Electrocaloric Measurements of a Multilayer Capacitor Using Scanning Thermal Microscopy and Infrared Imaging. These studies provide insight into how thermal imaging plays a valuable role in measuring electrocaloric effects, offering precise data on temperature fluctuations in real-time. 

During testing, researchers applied a square wave voltage to various samples, including thin wires and multilayer plates. The FLIR thermal camera detected thermal fluctuations at the same frequency as the electrical stimulus, confirming the electrocaloric effect in real-time. The ability to capture transient thermal changes allowed for deeper analysis into the potential of these materials for solid-state cooling applications. 

The use of high-speed cooled thermal cameras ensured enhanced sensitivity, with a sterling engine cooling the detector down to approximately 77°K. At this temperature, thermal photons could be precisely counted, resulting in a higher frame rate and increased accuracy compared to uncooled microbolometers. This capability is crucial for scientific research where minute temperature changes must be detected with high precision. 

The findings from Queen’s University Belfast are expected to influence the development of future electrocaloric devices, particularly for applications in electronics cooling, sustainable refrigeration, and advanced material research. As the demand for energy-efficient thermal management solutions grows, FLIR thermal imaging technology continues to be an indispensable tool in pushing the boundaries of material science and energy research. 

Key Applications of FLIR Thermal Imaging in Science & R&D 

FLIR’s scientific thermal cameras support diverse research fields, including: 

• Materials Science – Analysing phase transitions and stress testing, helping scientists understand material properties under various conditions. 

• Electronics Development – Thermal characterisation of circuits and components, ensuring devices function within safe temperature ranges. 

• Biomedical Research – Studying thermal properties of biological tissues, aiding in medical diagnostics and treatment development. 

• Aerospace & Engineering – Measuring heat dissipation and structural integrity, improving safety and efficiency in high-performance systems. 

• Energy Research – Monitoring heat distribution in renewable energy systems, optimizing efficiency in solar panels and battery technologies. 

• Environmental Science – Detecting temperature anomalies in ecosystems, helping in climate change research and wildlife conservation. 

FLIR Cameras for Every Research Need 

Here are some top FLIR camera models used in scientific applications: 

FLIR A8583 (Cooled) 

• High-speed imaging with up to 1000 Hz frame rates. 

• Detects minute thermal variations with 25mK sensitivity. 

• Ideal for electrocaloric and high-speed thermal events. 

• Advanced image processing for enhanced data analysis (FLIR Research Studio)

FLIR A500/700 (Uncooled) 

• Up to 640 × 480 resolution options for detailed thermal imaging. 

• Temperature range from -20°C to 2000°C, suitable for diverse scientific and industrial applications. 

• Designed for industrial automation, condition monitoring, and scientific research with flexible configurations. 

• Supports advanced connectivity with Ethernet and Wi-Fi for seamless data integration. 

FLIR X6980 (Cooled) 

• Ultra-fast frame rates up to 2,500 Hz, optimized for high-speed scientific and aerospace applications. 

• 1280 × 1024 resolution with high sensitivity and advanced triggering capabilities. 

• Designed for aerospace applications, ballistics testing, and advanced material stress analysis with precision thermal measurement.  

• Advanced triggering and synchronization features for capturing transient thermal events with extreme precision. 

The Future of Thermal Imaging in Research 

Thermal imaging is continuously evolving with advancements in AI-driven analytics, improved sensor sensitivity, and broader application potential. Whether it’s investigating new materials, developing efficient electronics, or enhancing biomedical studies, FLIR’s thermal imaging technology is a game-changer for researchers worldwide. 

Future developments in thermal imaging are expected to include enhanced machine learning algorithms for automatic anomaly detection, improved miniaturization of sensors for portable applications, and increased integration with other analytical tools to provide a more comprehensive research experience. These innovations will further solidify FLIR’s role as a leader in scientific thermal imaging, offering unparalleled capabilities to researchers across multiple disciplines. 

For more insights and demonstrations check out our News section or get in touch about your business requirements where we can showcase FLIR’s capabilities in real-world scientific applications.