Choosing the Right Thermal Imaging Technology
Thermoreflectance vs. Infrared
Understanding the Differences
Both thermoreflectance (TR) and infrared (IR) thermal imaging are powerful tools for temperature measurement and thermal analysis. However, each technology has distinct strengths and is suited for specific applications.
Key Differences: Thermoreflectance vs. Infrared
| Feature | Thermoreflectance (TR) | Infrared (IR) |
| Spatial Resolution | 250nm or better | Typically >5µm |
| Temporal Resolution | Nanosecond-scale | Milliseconds |
| Thermal Sensitivity | Detects temperature changes as small as 10mK | Varies depending on detector type |
| Ideal for | Microelectronics, RF devices, semiconductor testing | Large-scale thermal mapping, industrial applications |
| Material Compatibility | Works on non-emissive materials (metals, highly reflective surfaces) | Requires emissive surfaces for accurate measurement |
When to Use Infrared Imaging
- Macroscopic Thermal Mapping – Ideal for large-area heat dissipation studies.
- General Fault Detection – Useful for PCBs, mechanical systems, and industrial equipment.
- High-Temperature Measurements – Suitable for applications where extreme heat must be monitored.
When to Use Thermoreflectance Imaging
- High-Resolution Analysis – Perfect for sub-micron thermal mapping of microelectronics.
- Fast Transient Thermal Events – Captures nanosecond-scale heat dissipation in high-speed devices.
- Non-Emissive Materials – Works on metals, semiconductors, and reflective surfaces where IR struggles.
IR+TR Hybrid Systems – The Best of Both Worlds
Microsanj’s IR+TR Hybrid System combines both technologies to provide comprehensive thermal analysis, ensuring accuracy across different materials, scales, and thermal events.
Explore Related Products for Thermoreflectance and IR Imaging
To fully leverage the power of our thermal imaging technology, explore these Microsanj solutions:
- SanjSCOPE™ NT200, EZ500, or IR+TR Hybrid Thermoreflectance Systems – High-resolution thermal imaging for semiconductor and photonics applications.
- irSCOPE™ EZ100 and EZ100 OpenTest™ Infrared Systems – Complementary infrared imaging solutions for broader temperature analysis.