The evolution of technological advances in infrared sensor technology, image processing, “smart” algorithms, knowledge-based databases, and their overall system integration has resulted in new methods of research and use in medical infrared imaging. The development of infrared cameras with focal plane arrays not requiring cooling added a new dimension to this modality. New detector materials with improved thermal sensitivity are now available and production of high-density focal plane arrays (640×480) has been achieved. Advance read-out circuitry using on-chip signal processing is in common use. These breakthroughs permit low-cost and easy-to-use camera systems with thermal sensitivity less than 50 mK, as well as spatial resolution of 25–50 μm,.
