A database of archival infrared thermal imaging in medicine papers

Infrared thermal imaging has been applied in medical research since 1960 in several research centres in Europe, the USA and Japan. Many papers were published in the journals ACTA THERMOGRAPHICA and the Journal of Thermography. During this period, several important basic principles of thermal imaging mere established, such as the thermal symmetry inherent in a healthy subject. Both journals ceased publication some years ago and the material is not readily available for reference. The US National Technology Transfer Center has agreed to fund the production of a CD ROM to make this material widely available for researchers in medical thermal imaging. Some information will also be disseminated by the World Wide Web. It is important to avoid 're-inventing the wheel' during the resurgence of interest in thermal imaging prompted by the availability of the advanced infrared cameras that have been developed by the US military over the last twenty years.