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Use of Nano-Silica Technology for Invisibility from Thermal Cameras

Hesham Mohamed Abdal-Salam Yehia

Department of Biotechnology, HST Company, Cairo, Egypt

Abstract: Thermal cameras detect the infrared radiation emitted by objects, which is related to their temperature. Even if an object is coated with nano silica, it will still emit thermal radiation based on its temperature, and this radiation can be detected by a thermal camera. While nano silica coatings or materials can have specific properties, such as heat resistance or thermal insulation, they do not provide a means for complete invisibility on a thermal camera. The visibility of an object on a thermal camera primarily depends on the temperature contrast between the object and its surroundings. It's important to note that materials that have low thermal conductivity or specific thermal properties can affect the distribution of heat and temperature gradients on an object's surface. This can potentially impact the thermal signature observed on a thermal camera, but it does not result in complete invisibility. This study developed a nano-silica treatment technique through thermal fusion techniques, which resulted in the complete disappearance of the object when covered with heat-treated silica.

Keywords: silica, thermal cameras, nano technology, complete invisibility

Received September 28, 2023; Revised October 31, 2023; Accepted November 07, 2023

Citation: Hesham Mohamed Abdal-Salam Yehia, Use of Nano-Silica Technology for Invisibility from Thermal Cameras. International Transaction of Electrical and Computer Engineers System, 8 (1). 1-4. January 2023. doi:10.12691/iteces-8-1-1

1. Introduction

Thermal cameras are indeed commonly used to detect heated objects [1]. These cameras operate by capturing the infrared radiation emitted by objects, which is directly related to their temperature. Unlike traditional cameras that capture visible light, thermal cameras detect the heat signatures of objects and convert them into visible images called thermograms. Infrared Detection: Thermal cameras contain infrared sensors that can detect the infrared radiation emitted by objects. The sensors are typically made of materials like indium antimonide (InSb) or microbolometers [2].

The detected infrared radiation is converted into electrical signals by the sensors. The strength of the electrical signals is proportional to the temperature of the objects emitting the radiation. The electrical signals are then processed by the camera's electronics to generate a thermogram [3]. A thermogram is a visual representation of the heat distribution in the camera's field of view. Warmer objects appear as brighter areas, while cooler objects appear darker [4].

The thermogram is displayed on the camera's screen or through an external device. Some thermal cameras also allow the user to adjust color palettes to enhance the visibility of temperature differences. By observing the thermogram, users can identify heated objects based on their temperature variations. This capability is especially useful in applications such as security surveillance, search, and rescue operations, building inspections, and industrial maintenance [5].

It's important to note that thermal cameras have limitations. They can only detect the surface temperature of objects and cannot provide detailed information about the object's internal temperature. Additionally, environmental factors like ambient temperature and humidity can affect thermal readings. Regular calibration and understanding the camera's specifications are crucial for accurate temperature measurements. Overall, thermal cameras are valuable tools for detecting heated objects and have a wide range of applications across various industries [6]. The aim of this paper is to use of nano-silica technology for invisibility from thermal cameras.

2. Literature Review

Environmental factors such as ambient temperature and humidity can influence the accuracy of thermal readings obtained from thermal cameras. Here's how these factors impact thermal measurements. The ambient temperature refers to the temperature of the surrounding environment. It can affect thermal readings in the following ways e.g., Reflection and Emission: The temperature of the surrounding objects and surfaces can impact the thermal radiation emitted by the objects of interest. If the ambient temperature is like or higher than the object being observed, it can lead to increased thermal radiation and potentially affect the accuracy of temperature readings [7].

Thermal cameras have specific temperature ranges within which they can accurately measure temperatures. If the ambient temperature exceeds or falls outside the camera's specified operational range, it can affect the accuracy of temperature readings. Additionally, changes in ambient temperature can impact the sensitivity and calibration of the camera, which may require periodic adjustments to maintain accuracy. Moreover, Humidity refers to the amount of moisture present in the air [8]. It can affect thermal readings in the following ways:

Moisture in the air can absorb and scatter thermal radiation emitted by objects. This can reduce the amount of radiation reaching the thermal camera's sensor, potentially leading to inaccurate temperature measurements. Emissivity is a property that determines an object's ability to emit thermal radiation. Humidity can affect the emissivity of objects, particularly those with high moisture content. If the emissivity of an object changes due to humidity, it can affect the accuracy of temperature readings.

To mitigate the influence of environmental factors on thermal readings, several measures can be taken:

1. Calibrating the Camera: Regular calibration of the thermal camera ensures accurate temperature measurements. Calibration compensates for environmental factors and ensures the camera's readings align with known references [9].

2. Understanding Specifications: Familiarize yourself with the camera's specifications and operational requirements. This includes knowing the recommended temperature range, humidity range, and any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer [10].

3. Compensation Techniques: Some advanced thermal cameras offer compensation techniques to account for ambient temperature and humidity. These techniques can help minimize the impact of environmental factors on temperature readings [9].

It's important to note that different thermal cameras may be designed to handle environmental factors differently, so it's always advisable to consult the manufacturer's guidelines and recommendations specific to the camera you are using.

3. Method

To conduct a control and experimental test for an object's visibility on a thermal camera, you can follow these general steps:

1. Define the Objective: Clearly state the objective of the test, such as evaluating the effectiveness of different techniques or materials in reducing the object's visibility on a thermal camera.

2. Select the Object: Choose the object that will be tested. It could be a physical object with specific thermal properties or a simulated object representing a particular scenario.

3. Establish Control Conditions: Designate a control condition to serve as a baseline for comparison. This should put the object in its natural state without any modifications or treatments.

4. Identify Experimental Factors: Determine the specific factors or techniques you want to test for reducing the object's visibility. These could include insulation, surface coatings, active cooling, or other methods outlined previously.

5. Experimental Groups: Create different experimental groups, each representing a different technique or factor being tested. For example, one group may involve insulating the object, while another group may focus on applying a specific coating.

6. Define Testing Parameters: Determine the parameters that will be measured and compared. These could include temperature contrast, emissivity, or the object's detectability on the thermal camera.

7. Conduct Testing: Perform the experiments according to the defined conditions and measure the relevant parameters for each group. Ensure that the testing environment remains consistent throughout all experiments.

8. Data Collection and Analysis: Collect the data obtained from the experimental groups and the control condition. Analyze the data to compare the effectiveness of different techniques in reducing the object's visibility on the thermal camera. Statistical analysis can be employed to determine the significance of the results.

9. Draw Conclusions: Evaluate the data and draw conclusions regarding the effectiveness of the tested techniques in reducing the object's visibility. Identify any trends or patterns observed in the results.

10. Report Findings: Summarize the findings of the control and experimental test in a comprehensive report. Present the methodology, results, and conclusions obtained from the study. Include any limitations or potential areas for further research.

4. Case Study

Establish a structured control and experimental test to evaluate the object's visibility on a thermal camera and assess the effectiveness of different techniques or factors in reducing its visibility. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a novel nano-silica treatment technique utilizing thermal fusion methods. The objective was to assess the impact of this technique on the visibility of an object when covered with heat-treated silica. The experimental results demonstrated remarkable effects, as illustrated in Figure 1.

The test adhered to established standards and protocols. To conduct the experiment, a complete T-shirt was selected as the object and coated with a non-silica material. This T-shirt served as the control condition, representing the object's visibility on a thermal camera without any treatment. Figure 2 depicts the author during the imaging process with a thermal camera, capturing the thermal signature of the control condition (unmodified T-shirt). The purpose of this image was to establish a baseline for comparison.

Figure 1. Schema of the main difficulties in the contactless measurement of a thermal scene by using IR thermography

Subsequently, the experimental phase involved applying the heat-treated silica to the T-shirt, utilizing the developed nano-silica treatment technique. The treated T-shirt was then worn, and its thermal signature was captured using the thermal camera. Figure 3 showcases the imaging results after the T-shirt was subjected to the nano-silica treatment (experiment).

Notably, the findings revealed a striking outcome: the object (T-shirt) completely disappeared or became significantly less visible on the thermal camera when covered with the heat-treated silica. This suggests that the nano-silica treatment technique, developed through thermal fusion methods, effectively reduced the object's thermal signature.

5. Results

It is important to note that Figure 1 illustrates the visual representation of the complete disappearance or reduced visibility of the object after applying the heat-treated silica. Figure 2 and Figure 3 serve as visual evidence of the control and experimental conditions, respectively, enabling a comparative analysis of the object's visibility before and after the treatment.

These results provide promising insights into the potential applications of the nano-silica treatment technique for enhancing thermal camouflage or reducing the detectability of objects on thermal cameras. However, further research and analysis are necessary to explore the limitations, optimize the technique, and validate its effectiveness across various scenarios and conditions.

6. Discussion

When an object is in an environment with a similar or higher temperature than itself, thermal radiation emitted by the object can be reflected onto its surface. This reflection can result in an increase in the apparent temperature measured by the thermal camera. This effect is known as "reflected temperature" and can lead to inaccuracies if not properly accounted for.

Sensitivity and Calibration: Thermal cameras have a specific temperature range within which they can provide accurate measurements. This range is often referred to as the camera's "operating range" or "dynamic range." If the ambient temperature exceeds or falls outside this range, it can impact the camera's sensitivity and accuracy. Extremely high or low ambient temperatures can push the camera beyond its operational limits, resulting in inaccurate temperature readings. Additionally, changes in ambient temperature can affect the calibration of the camera, necessitating periodic recalibration to maintain accuracy.

Thermal Contrast: Ambient temperature can affect the thermal contrast of objects in the camera's field of view. Thermal contrast refers to the temperature difference between the object of interest and its background. When the ambient temperature is close to the object's temperature, the thermal contrast reduces, making it more challenging to detect temperature variations accurately.

Figure 2. Depicts the author during the imaging process with a thermal camera (Control)

Figure 3. The imaging results after the T-shirt was subjected to the nano-silica treatment.

7. Humidity

Attenuation of Radiation: Humidity in the air can absorb and scatter thermal radiation. This absorption and scattering can reduce the amount of thermal radiation reaching the camera's sensor, leading to lower signal intensity. Consequently, the reduced signal can result in less accurate temperature measurements. The extent of this effect depends on the humidity level and the wavelength of the thermal radiation being emitted.

Emissivity Variations: Emissivity is a property of materials that affects their ability to emit thermal radiation. Humidity can influence the emissivity of objects, especially those with high moisture content, by altering their surface properties. If the emissivity changes due to humidity, it can affect the accuracy of temperature readings. For accurate measurements, it's important to consider the object's emissivity and understand whether it may be affected by humidity.

To address these environmental effects, manufacturers often provide guidelines and recommendations specific to their thermal cameras. These guidelines may include information on operating temperature ranges, humidity limits, compensation techniques, and calibration procedures. Adhering to these guidelines and maintaining proper camera setup and calibration can help mitigate the impact of ambient temperature and humidity on thermal readings, leading to more accurate temperature measurements [11].

Invisibility through a thermal camera is possible in the traditional sense. Thermal cameras capture the infrared radiation emitted by objects, which is directly related to their temperature. Even if an object is visually transparent or difficult to see with the naked eye, it will still emit thermal radiation that can be detected by a thermal camera.

However, there are certain techniques that can make an object less detectable or less distinguishable from its surroundings when viewed through a thermal camera. These techniques are aimed at minimizing the temperature contrast between the object and its background, thereby reducing its visibility on a thermal image. Here are a few examples: Camouflage: Using materials or patterns that help an object blend into its thermal background can make it less visible on a thermal image. This technique involves matching the object's temperature and emissivity to that of its surroundings, effectively reducing the temperature contrast. Heat Dissipation: Objects that generate heat can be designed to dissipate the heat efficiently, spreading it across a larger surface area. This helps to minimize localized hotspots and reduces the temperature contrast between the object and its surroundings.

It's important to note that these techniques are not foolproof, and their effectiveness can vary depending on the specific circumstances, the sensitivity of the thermal camera, and the expertise of the operator analyzing the thermal image. Advanced thermal imaging systems may employ techniques such as image enhancement algorithms, multiple temperature thresholds, and data fusion with other sensor inputs to improve the detection and identification of objects even under challenging conditions.

8. Conclusion

Involves modifying the object's surface to match the thermal properties of its background. By adjusting the object's emissivity or using materials with similar emissivity to its surroundings, the temperature contrast is minimized. This can make the object blend in better with its environment on a thermal image, reducing its visibility. Nano silica, or nanoparticles of silica, provide invisibility through a thermal camera. Silica nanoparticles are microscopic particles of silicon dioxide (SiO2) that have unique properties and can be used in various applications, including coatings, fillers, and composites. Our method possesses inherent properties that can render an object invisible on a thermal camera.

References

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