Miniature infrared temperature sensor with integral controller

Unlike most conventional thermometers, Micro-Epsilon's thermoMETER CSlaser has a double sighting laser rather than a single laser. Single-laser devices only mark the centre of the measuring spot, not the actual size. Double laser sighting precisely follows the infrared optical path and marks the real spot size at any distance, thereby preventing inaccurate measurements on small objects. The smallest spot size of 0.05mm (M2 version) is reached on the Cslaser at the crosspoint of both laser beams at a distance of 150mm. The sensor can also be optimised for specific measurement tasks by fitting different lenses with appropriate focal lengths.

As the controller is integrated within the sensor, the thermoMETER CSlaser is useful for applications in which installation space is limited - such as on machines, products or tools.

Customer choice

Initially, the thermoMETER CSlaser is available as either an SF version (8-14um) with a measuring range of -50 to 975degC and an optical resolution of 50:1. This version of the sensor is aimed at general temperature measurement tasks.

There is also an M-2 version (1.6um) for metal processing applications, which measures temperatures from 385 to 1600degC and has an optical resolution of 300:1. This version is suitable for use with ceramics, metal processing and metal oxides. The short wavelength of 1.6um reduces temperature measurement errors on surfaces with low or unknown emissivity or with changing emissivity during the process, which is often the case on metal surfaces.

Chris Jones, Managing Director of Micro-Epsilon UK, comments: "As well as providing an analogue two-wire interface, the thermoMETER CSlaser can also send digital data via a USB interface to a PC. This enables both recording and evaluation of the temperature data, as well as remote programming and set-up of the sensor, including alarm outputs, which is unusual to see on a two-wire temperature sensor. The emissivity can also be adjusted either on the sensor itself or remotely using the software provided."

The sensor can operate in ambient temperatures up to 85degC without cooling and the laser is switched off automatically at 50degC. Optional cooling accessories are also available for use at elevated temperatures.

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