What type of measurement does an infrared temperature probe provide?

An infrared temperature probe measures temperature using the principle of detecting infrared radiation emitted by an object. This type of measurement is classified as noncontact because the probe does not need to touch the surface of the object being measured. Instead, it captures the infrared radiation that naturally emanates from the object, allowing for temperature measurement from a distance.

Noncontact measurement is particularly beneficial when dealing with hot, hazardous, or fragile materials where direct contact could be unsafe or alter the physical state of the material. Since the infrared probe relies on thermal radiation, it effectively provides accurate temperature readings without the interference that might come from direct measurement methods.