Infrared thermography (IRT),
thermal imaging, and
thermal video are examples of
infrared imaging science.
Thermographic cameras usually detect
radiation in the long-
infrared range of the
electromagnetic spectrum (roughly 9,000–14,000
nanometers or 9–14 µm) and produce images of that radiation, called
thermograms. Since infrared radiation is emitted by all objects with a temperature above absolute zero according to the
black body radiation law, thermography makes it possible to see one's environment with or without
visible illumination. The amount of radiation emitted by an object increases with temperature; therefore, thermography allows one to see variations in temperature. When viewed through a thermal imaging camera, warm objects stand out well against cooler backgrounds; humans and other
warm-blooded animals become easily visible against the environment, day or night. As a result, thermography is particularly useful to the military and other users of
surveillance cameras.