Infrared sensors detect and sometimes quantify infrared rays from heat emitting objects, both in daylight and in the dark of night. Fog, dust clouds and other thin occlusions don't stop these sensors. The sensors include an infrared-sensitive element that detects infrared rays, and a second element that produces a signal that corresponds to the intensity or quantity of infrared rays.

There are two types of infrared sensors: quantum and thermal. In both, the infrared sensing element raises in temperature with greater amounts of infrared rays. The quantum infrared sensor has the advantage of being more sensitive as compared with the thermal variety. However, the thermal also has several distinct advantages:

1. The thermal infrared sensor does not require cooling devices.

2. Thermal infrared sensors are cheaper to produce than quantum infrared sensors.

3. Thermal infrared sensors are often smaller than their quantum counterparts.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy an infrared sensing system to gather temperature data

Take a look at several infrared sensor companies and infrared sensor manufacturers before choosing a product. Not all sensors have the same features. Look for battery power options for portability, as well as adjustable flux or heat flow. As always, another reason to shop around is that prices vary. You want to get the best infrared sensor systems at the best prices.

I recommend: Omega carries hand-held and mounted infrared thermocouples for a huge array of applications. Micro-Epsilon also has infrared sensors for sale. They have multi-function IR thermometers and an ultra-miniature, non-contact model.

Locate motion detectors for security and lighting at your home or business

Choosing an infrared sensor manufacturer or source for motion detection depends on what you want to accomplish, surveillance or lighting.

I recommend: Home Security Store carries motion detectors that alert you when someone is present. Lamps Plus carries a wide variety of basic and decorative motion detector lights. These add an element of security and also add the convenience of automatic switching switching when you come home, enter your warehouse, etcetera.

Experiment with gadgets that include night vision technology

The military uses infrared sensing systems for night and occluded vision field applications, like target acquisition. However, there are many commercial and domestic uses as well, like surveillance and hunting. If you are interested, however, be prepared to spend serious money.

I recommend: OpticsPlus.net carries night vision goggles, sights and scopes, including day to night scopes that automatically activate their night vision capabilities as needed. TheNightVisionStore.com is another source for high quality night vision goggles, binoculars, rifle scopes and monoculars.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Some non-contact infrared temperature readers have a feature that indicates the exact spot where a laser is reading on a surface. Laser spot sighting or laser spot aiming are common names for the feature.