A focal plane array system for clinical infra red imaging

Thermal infrared imaging (IR) in medicine has been dependent on single element detectors with mechanical scanning systems for four decades. Modern IR systems now offer high speed, high resolution. This paper reports a study made during an upgrade from a cooled single element Agena 782M imager to a new uncooled focal plane army Thermovision (Flir systems Inc.). The results show spatial resolution to be higher with the new Thermovision, resolving skin vasculature. The autocalibration of this camera can produce some temperature measurement variability.