Which component of a thermal imager is responsible for focusing infrared radiation onto a detector?

The component of a thermal imager responsible for focusing infrared radiation onto a detector is the lens. This is vital because the lens gathers the thermal energy emitted from objects and focuses it onto the focal-plane array, which is the sensor that detects this infrared radiation. The effectiveness of the lens in focusing the radiation directly impacts the quality and clarity of the thermal image produced.

The focal-plane array, while crucial in detecting the infrared radiation, operates after that radiation has been focused by the lens. Its function is to convert the focused infrared radiation into an electronic signal, but it does not play a role in the actual focusing process.

The display screen serves to visualize the thermal data that has been processed, but it does not interact with the incoming infrared radiation. The thermogram is the representation of the temperature distribution captured by the thermal imager but is not involved in the focusing of infrared radiation onto the detector.

Understanding the role of each component highlights the importance of the lens in thermal imaging technology, as it ensures the accurate capture of thermal emissions for analysis and interpretation.