Infrared night vision devices use infrared detectors and optical lenses to amplify and display the infrared radiation of target objects to obtain images of target objects. It can make the target object bright by amplifying infrared radiation under dark conditions, and it does not depend on the intensity of surrounding light. Infrared night vision devices are suitable for military, security, police and other fields at night or in low-light environments.

Thermal imagers generate temperature images by detecting infrared radiation emitted by objects, and can obtain temperature distribution images on the surface of objects in real time. It is not affected by light, can work in complete darkness or extremely low light conditions, and can detect temperature differences on the surface of objects. Thermal imagers are mainly used in industry, construction, medical care, firefighting and other fields, such as detecting the heating of power equipment, identifying hidden thermal bridges in buildings, and measuring the surface temperature of patients.

Advantages and disadvantages of infrared night vision devices and thermal imagers

Advantages of infrared night vision devices:

1. Observation can be performed in extremely low-light environments.

2. The distance of the observed object is far.

3. The cost is relatively low.

4. Suitable for night or low-light environments.

‌Disadvantages of infrared night vision goggles‌:

1. Limited by natural light and the observed object itself, the effect decreases when the outdoor environment temperature is low.

2. The distance and resolution are not as good as thermal imagers.

‌Advantages of thermal imagers‌:

1. Not affected by light, can work in complete darkness or extremely low light conditions.

2. Can detect temperature differences on the surface of objects.

3. Mainly used in industry, construction, medical treatment, fire protection and other fields.

‌Disadvantages of thermal imagers‌:

1. Poor observation effect in overly bright environments.

2. Relatively high price.