The presence of cracks and defects changes the thermal properties of materials. Infrared imaging provides unique insights for remote inspection of various objects such as electronic components and artworks where non-contact analysis is more suitable. The correct interpretation of thermal flows can reveal the presence of structural changes within the material and prevent failures.
By launching a mid-infrared laser signal in a fiber core and recording its side scattering with a wide spectrum infrared camera, scientists are able to screen optical fibers for defects – an crucial step in the development of high-power infrared lasers. Images courtesy of Université Laval, Quebec, Canada.
Nuclear fusion represents one of the best alternative for generating electricity in order to meet the future needs for power. Research on high-temperature and high-density plasma is carried out in tokamaks, stellarators, and helical devices. Since plasma can reach temperatures of the order of tens of thousands of degrees, it needs to be contained in a strong magnetic field. High-speed infrared imaging can help to characterize the integrity of the material forming – for example – the divertor and the armor wall during the experiments.
The COMPASS tokamak (bottom left) and the Telops FAST infrared camera in a Faraday cage (bottom right). Images courtesy of the Institute of Plasma Physics of the CAS (Czech Republic).
An inside view of the COMPASS vacuum vessel (left) and a video of numerical reconstruction of the plasma shape, followed by infrared footage of the graphite tiles forming the inner wall of the tokamak during plasma generation. Images and video courtesy of the Institute of Plasma Physics of the CAS (Czech Republic).
