Infrared Thermometers also known as contact less thermometers are devices which measure the temperature of any object without physically coming in contact with them. Infrared Thermometers are ideal to measure temperatures of very hot objects or objects in motion.
These instruments work by measuring the wavelength of radiation emitted by an hot object. All objects above zero kelvin emit radiation. The wavelength of this radiation is dependent on the temperature. The wavelength of the emitted radiation increases with the temperature. By measuring the wavelength of the radiation, the infrared thermometer calculates the temperature.
The infrared thermometer consists of a lens which focuses the radiation on to a detector which measures the wavelength of the radiation. The temperature is then calculated and displayed on the screen.
Infrared Thermometers have become popular in recent years. They are used to verify other instruments as well.
Infrared Thermometers can also be used in medicine where they can be used to monitor the temperature of infectious patients without physical contact.