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InfraRed Thermometers

Noncontact infrared temperature sensors absorb ambient infrared (IR) radiation emitted by a heated surface. They are used in a variety of applications where direct temperature measurement is not possible. With noncontact infrared temperature sensors, incoming light is converted to an electric signal that corresponds to a particular temperature. Common features for noncontact infrared temperature sensors include automatic emissivity adjustment, heat flow or flux adjustment, laser spot aiming or sighting, and battery-powered.  A non-contact infrared temperature sensor with heat flow or flux adjustment offers features such as a display in British thermal units (BTUs). These devices are designed for an emissivity from 0.9 to 1.0 (e.g., building materials such as ceramic, concrete, glass, paper, plaster, and stone), and can zero out to temperature on one side (inside) to get the differential.  Noncontact infrared temperature sensors with laser spot aiming or sighting use a laser to indicate where the measurement is being taken from. This laser is not used to sense temperature, however.