How Does a Thermal Scope Work? Everything You Need to Know

There is no denying that the introduction of thermal scopes has changed the way hunters or even military personnel approach their target in the dark or in a low-level light condition.

This is possible because rather than relying on visible light, these devices depend on the heat and thus are capable of enabling the user to spot the target which would be otherwise impossible. 

But what is the thermal scope made of and how does it work? In this post,we will break down how thermal imaging works and the reasons why it is a beneficial technology.

1. What thermal imaging is about?

A thermal scope relies on an uncomplicated principle of infrared detection. This is a form of energy released by every object with a specific temperature. Unlike the conventional optics that utilize visible light, thermal scopes see ‘shapes’ without light, smoke, or even thin foliage. 

Thermal scopes use a sensor that is also referred to as a thermal microbolometer to detect and record thermal infrared radiation. A microbolometer consists of an array of individual detectors that respond to and convert infrared radiation into a change of an electrical signal, which is later formed into an image in different colors corresponding to various levels of heat emitted.

2. Thermal Scope Components

The main components which constitutes a thermal scope are important as far as the operations of the scope is concerned:

• Lens: The lens of thermal scope is made of different materials such as Germanium which can penetrate infrared rays if compared to the normal scope.

• Microbolometer: The imaging system which detects and measures pulp infrared radiation. It usually consists of thousands of pixels that creates the thermal picture.

• Display: The thermal image after processing is presented on a screen, making it possible for users to observe temperature changes around them.

• Processor: The processor is the main control unit of the thermal scope, it inline in the transformation of the infrared data to images that can be interpreted.

3. How Thermal Scopes Create Images

In a thermal scope, what is presented is a map of heat and not the visible image of objects. Hotter surfaces, such as those made by animals and even people, radiate more infrared rays and hence will be more visible or highlighted against the background.

Most thermal vision scopes allow you to choose different colors to set the colors of the infrared spectrum. The two most common are the ‘white-hot’ and ‘black-hot’ configurations, with the usually hidden objects in these two variations extremes being rendered in a white and black color respectively facilitating easier identification of targets in variants of different backgrounds. Some more sophisticated ones even present shades of colors for more imaging.

4. Uses of a Thermal Scope

The function of thermal scope can be considered as its major strength in many applications.

• Hunting: Thermal scopes enable hunters to look for animals even beyond thick culture vegetation or in the dark. Heat source stands out with its cooler ambient temperature, thus its improvement.

• Tactical and Military Use: Thermal scopes are also useful for law enforcement and military personnel in assessing the area and identifying targets in conditions where there is poor illumination or even total darkness.

• Search and Rescue: Thermal scopes are of prime importance in search operations for the missing people in adverse places such as the thick forests, and in the aftermath of disasters.

5. Benefits of Thermal Scope

There are some major advantages of thermal scope.

• Visibility in All Conditions: In complete blackness, fog, or even torrential downpours, thermal scopes can still deliver a clear image, thanks to the emitted body heat.

• Increased Detection Range: Usually thermal scopes have higher detection range ceilings compared to night vision which allows effective range for moving target surveillance.

• Stealth: Thermal scopes do not make visible light since they work on detecting heat. Therefore the user can hide and shoot or look through the scope.

6. Selecting the Appropriate Thermal Scope

In the process of looking for a thermal scope, one has to take into account the aspects explained below.

• Resolution: The higher the resolution, the clearer the images and the more complex the heat maps. For performing a precise shot, it is better to choose a high-resolution microbolometer.

• Refresh Rate: This defines the rate, or how fast an image is updated, especially when a target is in motion or being tracked. A higher image display rate comes in handy especially when targeting moving objects with quick succession.

• Magnification: Depending on the nature of the usage, it is easier to target objects from a distance with the provision for adjustable magnification.

• Battery Life: Ensure that the thermal scope can last on the batteries for a long period without being hindered by the field usage.

Conclusion

For those who work in poorly-lit places, a thermal scope is a must-have accessory. It helps the user to see targets’ heat signatures, thanks to the use of Infrared radiations, which would otherwise be hidden. Whether you are out in the field hunting, carrying out tactical operations or search and rescue, knowing how a thermal scope functions can improve your proficiency in the field.

It is important to think about resolution, refresh rate and magnification among other parameters while choosing the appropriate thermal scope to achieve the desired functionality. Being able to see what others can’t is a big advantage and a thermal scope makes sure that one does not lose any important moment.