How does a IR thermometer work?

AI Thread Summary
IR thermometers measure the temperature of an object by detecting the intensity of emitted infrared radiation, which corresponds to specific wavelengths. They can measure the temperature of clouds because infrared light can pass through the air without significant interference. Pointing an IR thermometer at the sun or a bright light source can potentially damage the device, as it may not be designed to handle high levels of visible radiation. The sensitivity of IR thermometers is primarily to infrared radiation, making them less responsive to visible black body radiation. Understanding these principles is essential for effective and safe use of IR thermometers.
mcjhn
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was just wondering...

Do IR thermometers measure the temperature of an object via the intensity or wavelengths of emitted light?

I've heard that you can measure the temperature of clouds with them, why doesn't the IR light emitted by the air in between the cloud and the detector confuse it?

[**I've heard this can damage them] What happens you point one at the sun? or an old fashioned light bulb? (is it not sensitive to visible black body radiation)?

(hopefull those make sense) thanks!
 
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mcjhn said:
was just wondering...

Do IR thermometers measure the temperature of an object via the intensity or wavelengths of emitted light?

I've heard that you can measure the temperature of clouds with them, why doesn't the IR light emitted by the air in between the cloud and the detector confuse it?

[**I've heard this can damage them] What happens you point one at the sun? or an old fashioned light bulb? (is it not sensitive to visible black body radiation)?

(hopefull those make sense) thanks!

Welcome to the PF.

Wikipedia has an intro article:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infrared_thermometer

.
 
hi, thanks I already had a look on there and couldn't find the info I was after
 
They measure the wavelength...and air is transparent to ir.
 

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