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A typical infrared temperature sensor consists of optical components, IR detector, electronics, and a display (Gyorki, 2009) .

These parts allow the thermometer to detect infrared radiation and then convert the collected data into a temperature value based on the reading. (Personal Coverings, 2021) Infrared thermometers can be used in many settings, such as in healthcare or industrial settings. The main function of this thermometer in particular is to measure certain objects from a distance without making contact. For example, with the recent COVID-19 pandemic, infrared thermometers have been helpful in measuring the temperature of individuals at establishments and hospitals while maintaining a safe distance and upholding COVID safety guidelines. This description will overview the main parts of the thermometer that enables it to read temperature from a distance.

D esc rip tio n o f P arts a n d T heir F u nctio n s Focus Len s are used to focus infrared rays emitted by an object and feed it into an IR detector. The lens funnels the infrared wavelengths into the device and then transfers that information into the following part. The infrared lens is about a size of a dime and is embedded within the front-most part of the device. This enables the user to accurately point at an object and gauge its temperature quickly.

IR Detectors are devices that convert infrared radiation into electricity. Specifically called a thermopile, this device can quickly absorb infrared rays and convert it into heat, which is then converted into electricity. Thermopiles receive input from the focus lens and with the use of thermocouples (two-wire sensors for measuring temperature), can turn thermal energy into electrical energy (Omega Engineering, 2020) . Electrical output is produced in proportion to the amount of infrared radiation detected, which is used to determine an exact temperature. The thermopile is a small, metal cylindrical component with 4 gold long prongs sticking out from underneath. The IR detector converts the information into electricity energy for the next part of the process.

PCB co ntroller s are used as the electronics of the infrared thermometer. Otherwise known as a printed circuit board, it mechanically supports and connects electrical components via conductive materials. Within an Infrared thermometer, the PCB converts the voltage measured by the thermopile into units of temperature that is displayed on the screen. The PCB is a small green board that consists of many conducting wires, copper pieces, and more to accurately transmit electrical information from one part to another.

Digital d isplays are used in an infrared thermometer to display the temperature reading to the user. The display is connected to the PCB by an elastomeric connector to connect the circuits. The display uses a LCD (liquid-crystal display) screen and is usually shaped in a square that can come in a variety of display colors (Udanis, 2017) . (RianClub, 2021) C on clu sio n a n d O pera tin g D esc rip tio n When the infrared thermometer is pointed at an object and the button is pushed, a temperature reading on the LCD screen will be displayed in a matter of seconds. Infrared thermometers are extremely convenient to use in healthcare and industrial settings as well as efficient. They ensure the safety of the user when it comes to both distancing away from unsafe heat and others who may be symptomatic with COVID.

R efe re n ce s Gyorki, J. R. (2009, September 14). Understanding the Infrared Temperature Sensor . Retrieved April 18, 2021, from https://www .sensortips.com/temperature/infrared-temperature-sensor/#:~:text=A typical infrared thermometer consists,outside the desired wavelength band. Omega Engineering. (2020, October 22). How Do Infrared Thermometers Work? Retrieved April 18, 2021, from https://www .omega.com/en-us/resources/infrared-thermometer -how-work Personal Coverings. (2021, April 09). Infrared Forehead Thermometer . Retrieved April 18, 2021, from https://www .personalcoverings.com/product/infrared-forehead-thermometer/ RiansClub. (2021, March 06). How Infrared Thermometer W orks: Non-Contact Thermometer. Retrieved April 18, 2021, from https://www .riansclub.com/infrared-thermometer/ Udanis, A. (2017, August 22). Teardown Tuesday: IR Thermometer - News. Retrieved April 18, 2021, from https://www .allaboutcircuits.com/news/teardown-tuesday-ir -thermometer/