Infrared Applications (IR)

Infrared (IR) illumination can be an effective tool in certain inspection applications, taking advantage of the high IR sensitivity of CCD cameras. When a camera’s IR-blocking filter is removed, its sensitivity in the infrared range increases, though this comes with a trade-off in color balance.

Many light sources naturally generate infrared light, but filters are often used to protect optical fibers from heat damage. In IR applications, these filters may need to be removed or modified. Proper thermal management of the light guide tip is critical to prevent overheating and potential damage to illumination fibers.

The choice of imaging fiber also plays a role in IR performance. Standard fused quartz image fibers are optimized for the visible spectrum and may show reduced image quality in infrared use. Leached image bundles are generally recommended for IR applications, or fused quartz fibers should be tested to ensure they meet the performance requirements for the intended inspection.

In certain environments, such as radioactive conditions, fused quartz fibers degrade more slowly in the infrared range than in visible light. Zibra Corp can evaluate the specific inspection environment and configure scopes and lighting systems for optimal infrared performance.