A device, often an attachment for a smartphone, that translates infrared radiation into visible light, enabling the user to see heat signatures. Such devices allow users to identify temperature differences, detect heat loss, or observe objects in low-light or obscured conditions.
The capability offers considerable advantages across various fields, including building inspection (detecting insulation gaps), electrical maintenance (identifying overheating components), search and rescue (locating individuals), and even certain medical applications. Its portability, coupled with increasing affordability, has broadened access to thermal imaging technology beyond specialized industrial or scientific contexts. The evolution of the technology has seen a significant decrease in size and cost, making it accessible to a wider consumer base.