Re: [Phys-l] IR thermometer buy

[Ludwik Kowalski <kowalskil@mail.montclair.edu>]

On Jan 24, 2007, at 2:23 PM, Bernard Cleyet wrote:
> Thanks!  they have three models on sale.. v. ~ $10, 20, & 30.
> Bob Sciamanda wrote:
> > Harbor Freight is offering a neat pocket IR thermometer on sale for 
> > $9.99.  Works fine!
> > If you have no local Harbor Freight store, goto:
> > http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?function=Search

1) I remember reading that T is deduced from the shape of the 
wavelength spectrum in the IR region (black body distribution. But how 
is this accomplished?

2) How are these thermometers used, in practice? The role of the laser 
beam is not clear to me.
_______________________________________________________
Ludwik Kowalski, a retired physicist
5 Horizon Road, apt. 2702, Fort Lee, NJ, 07024, USA
Also an amateur journalist at http://blake.montclair.edu/~kowalskil/cf/