What type of device does infrared thermography use to detect energy?

Infrared thermography utilizes a contact device to detect energy in the form of infrared radiation emitted by objects. This technology enables professionals to visualize temperature variations across surfaces, which helps in identifying issues such as heat loss, moisture intrusion, and electrical overloads.

The strengths of infrared thermography lie in its ability to provide non-destructive testing and its efficiency in detecting hidden problems that may not be visible to the naked eye. By capturing the infrared radiation, the device can translate that data into temperature readings and visual images that indicate areas of concern.

A contact device, because it directly measures energy related to temperature, is a key tool in applications such as building inspections, electrical assessments, and mechanical evaluations. The other listed options do not function in the same capacity for detecting infrared energy: portable meters typically measure electrical parameters but do not specifically analyze thermal conditions; thermal paper printers are used to produce printed thermal images rather than detect energy; and electromagnetic detectors are designed for a different type of energy detection unrelated to thermal radiation.