Thermal imager - a device that visualizes the temperature distribution over the surface under investigation. On the display each color corresponds to a specific temperature.
In the 50 years of the twentieth century there were defined two ways of development of thermal imaging: the use of infrared transmitting tubes (pyrokons) in thermal imaging systems and discrete sensing elements with opto-mechanical scanning.
Pirokons firstly were used in the Kiev Polytechnic Institute in the 60-ies in the department of electron and ion devices under the guidance senior researcher, Ph.D. T.V.Tsikunova. A.H.Matahnyuk, G.F.Semenov, V.O.Rabishko, T.V.Zashivaylo, O.Yu.Balanovska and others developed pirocons and thermal imagers on their base.
In 1981, the Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor Sergey A. Voronov, now head of the Department of Applied Physics at the Physico-Technical Institute, was appointed the head of the collective. The team of researchers under his leadership together with scientists from the Research Institute "Electron" (Leningrad, now St. Petersburg) created IR imagers with a sensitivity in the spectral range of 8-12 microns.
The main achievement of KPI team of scientists had, since 1981, the introduction of the patented first industrial thermal and bringing them to production on the Azov optical-mechanical plant and a factory in Nalchik. The technology, proposed by Professor S.O.Voronov of production thermal imagers was favorably differed from existing in the market. It became the base of producing thermal imaging devices different applications, including for the armed forces.
Further research led by prof. S.O.Voronov are carried out in order to extend spectral range, better image quality with a uniform distribution over the entire field of view, providing sufficient brightness, correct the brightness distribution over the image area, the presence of automatic control for protection against strong illumination sufficient surveillance range, strength, protection against dirt and moisture, convenience and ease of use of the device.
Use of the matrix of large dimension, and use of special algorithms high special processor, provides high signal processing flow when a large amount of information in real time and applying digital signal processing means allow the imager to create an acceptable weight, dimensions and power consumption. This device allows you to create a system of nondestructive testing of wide application.
Night vision devices occupy an important place in modern technology, and are used extensively in the civil engineering for the exploration and mining, remote sensing, industrial and environmental control, night navigation and driving in complex climat and weather conditions, night video recording, for intelligence, law enforcement and customs, for night hunting and fishing in and fire protection systems, etc..
Let’s consider what the imager can give Ukraine today.
With a thermal imager one can control the emissions of hot gases in the heat energy, to identify cracks and destruction of the lining of chimneys. On the monitor, the color imager in the form of a scale, you can instantly see the changes in temperature over the entire height of the pipe and outside in gas emissions that allows you to quickly fix and reduce the unnecessary use of fuel, as well as in advance to carry out the necessary temperature mode selection emissions for subsequent recovery plan and the local point repair chimney.
You can also diagnose cooling towers, columns chemical synthesis to detect burnouts, places of corrosion.
The use of thermal imagers can prevent accidents of equipment of pumping stations, cooling systems for various applications, engines, electric cars, as well as in various units of cars and other objects railway, river, sea and air transport.
Thermal imaging allows us to monitor and control the heat loss in homes, to give specific recommendations for thermal insulation of windows, doors, walls.
With the thermal imagers one can find saline and non-working sections of radiators in the rooms and homes for the purpose of cleaning, repair or replacement.
You can find the breakthroughs of heating in large areas, including the use of unmanned aerial vehicles.
Thermal imaging to diagnose electrical and electronic equipment, find sulfitation in batteries, identify excessive overheating of the phase imbalance, the fuses, motor winding, , breach of contact connections and the like.
Thermal imaging also is used in medicine. Getting the dynamic and static temperature of the body surface pattern promotes early diagnosis of diseases, including cancer. By the way, in this area there was successfully defended his doctoral thesis deputy of the Vice Rector for Research NTUU "KPI" V.Y.Kotovsky (Scientific Adviser - Professor S.O.Voronov).
It would be advisable to intensify research in the field of thermal imaging NTUU "KPI" with the involvement of scientists from the Institute of Semiconductor Physics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine of V.E.Lashkarov and other institutions of NASU, which will boost the economy of the state as a whole.