The microbolometer is the "eye" of your thermal camera. Unlike regular cameras that capture visible light, the microbolometer is a sensor designed to detect infrared radiation (heat).
How does it work?
A microbolometer consists of an array (grid) of tiny pixels. When infrared radiation hits these pixels, they heat up. That temperature change alters their electrical resistance, which is translated into a video signal you see on the screen.
Most importantly, modern microbolometers are uncooled. In the past, thermal cameras needed cryogenic cooling systems (very expensive and noisy). Today they are used in ultra-powerful surveillance equipment. Thanks to the modern microbolometer, you can have a thermal scope that powers on in 3 seconds and fits in your pocket.
Microbolometer Resolution
Just like on a TV, the more pixels, the better the definition:
- 384x288 pixels: Standard resolution. Enough to detect animals weighing 80kg up to 1000 meters and identify them based on the optical magnification the device has from 300m onward. Excellent value for money.
- 640x512 pixels: High resolution. It delivers a much sharper image, lets you use more digital zoom without the image becoming pixelated as much, and offers a wider field of view. It is the choice of the most demanding observer.
Currently, the market already offers sensors with 1280x1024 pixels, where the images are of even higher quality. These devices should be handled with care because they are very powerful, but they are still somewhat mismatched in relation to the number of optical magnifications they provide.
Explore our equipment by filtering by resolution in the Thermal Scopes section.