This Article is about:
- Thermal sensitivity explained
Thermal sensitivity explained
The thermal sensitivity of the camera, defined by the Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference (NETD) shows the smallest temperature difference a thermal imager can make visible. It also influences the details you can see with the thermal camera because it defines how noisy or grainy your thermal image will look.
Usually the smaller the NETD value in °C or in mK, the more sensitive is the camera.
For low voltage electrical applications a sensitivity (NETD) better than 0.1° C or 100 mK completely covers all needs.
For building diagnostics the sensitivity (NETD) requirements are usually higher, starting from at least 0,05° C or 50 mK and better.
For research and development (R&D) or for non-destructive testing (NDT) applications the sensitivity (NETD) requirements may go down to having better, than 0.03-0.01° C, or better, than 30-10 mK.
| An example of image with high sensitivity of 0.04 °C or 40 mK | An example of image with medium sensitivity of 0.1 °C or 100 mK |