Microbolometers? What is the diffrence? Which One is better

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Brian Lee on June 30, 2008 at 3:36pm

I believe the Amorphous Silicon (asi) is the original microbolometer sensor that was only made by one manufacturer (Ratheon I think). This was the reason for the first generation cameras being so much larger and more expensive than the mini cameras we have now.

When the Vanadium Oxide (vox) came along it allowed the cameras to be made cheaper and smaller. I think the smaller size has something to do with the Vox sensor not requiring as much insulation so the camera could be made smaller.

As for the difference, you probably won't notice any in the picture quality unless you compare side by side. For the most part, all of the larger cameras have the Amporphous silicon microbolometer.

Permalink Reply by Chris Piepenburg on July 16, 2008 at 9:53pm

Probably the best folks to answer this questions is one of the guys from Safe-IR. They can answer about any question you have. http://www.safe-ir.com/

Permalink Reply by Marques Bush on July 28, 2008 at 10:00am

Thanks guys! Just want our department to make an informed decision when we buy the new TICs

Permalink Reply by Eric Hankins on August 12, 2008 at 7:54pm

Chris hit the nail square on the head. Safe-IR is a fantastic resource for all of your TI needs. I highly recommend hiring them for a training session if even remotly possible. Robert Athanas (sp?) and his crew of Instructors are simply the best.

Permalink Reply by John Forristall on January 1, 2011 at 8:01pm

I can see this is an older thread but I'd like to respond anyway just in case it might help someone out.

Brian has the background info pretty much on track but The Asi and VOX sensors are backwards. The Asi is the less expensive and each are able to be formatted to the smaller size units. Raytheon technology or BST is what he refers to but is not microbolometer technology.

As far as the difference in pictures goes I would have to disagree if we are talking about units available at the time this thread began, However. The constant improvements in software and electronics have certainly had an impact on picture quality across the board.

One last thing, BST units like those refered to as larger cameras, are no longer manufactured for the fire service. Hope this helps.