Also, because the fiber-optic assembly contains no electronic components, it withstands higher ambient temperatures and operates in strong electromagnetic fields. Response Time and Signal Processing Infrared thermometers have good response time when compared to contact sensors. The thermal mass of a contact sensor, the process of conducting heat from the object into the sensor, and the associated thermal resistance at the point of contact can limit response time. Infrared thermometers have no such limitations. Because of their noncontacting nature, infrared temperature sensors respond almost instantaneously to temperature changes, permitting measurement of fast-moving objects or objects whose temperature changes rapidly.
Some infrared thermometers respond to temperature changes in as little as a millisecond.
In many applications, knowing an object's temperature may not be sufficient. When heating a part, the peak temperature attained within a given time interval may be of greater importance than knowing the instantaneous temperature. Infrared thermometers frequently offer signal-processing choices, allowing the unit to indicate maximum temperature, minimum temperature or average temperature within a selected time interval. Response time-related readings coupled with appropriate signal processing is an important consideration in temperature measurement applications with rapidly changing conditions. Unlike point infrared thermometers, line scanners or process imagers have, in effect, a point infrared thermometer viewing an object or web of material through a rotating mirror.