Focus on lasers and imaging

The utility of military mid-IR lasers, particularly in the area of countermeasures, is well understood and practical laser systems have been fielded which currently provide protection to a wide number of military platform types. Technical performance, efficiency and power for these lasers, has driven current production designs to utilise diode pumped solid state lasers (DPSSLs) with wavelength conversion through non-linear crystals. In this paper, we review the development of laser technologies which have potential to form the basis of the next generation of IRCM lasers, in particular, fibrepumped solid state lasers, optically pumped semiconductor lasers (OPSLs) and quantum cascade lasers (QCLs). Moreover, this review will focus on the relative merits of the technologies for engineering and productionisation of a military laser system, and address those issues most relevant for design and manufacture for the military environment. These include not only technical performance, power and efficiency, but also thermal management, mass, volume, cost and overall complexity for manufacture.

A computational model for UV pulsed-laser scribing of silicon target is presented and compared with experimental results. The experiments were performed with a high-power Q-switched diode-pumped solid state laser which was operated at 355 nm. They were conducted on n-type 500 μm thick silicon wafers. The scribing width and depth were measured using scanning electron microscopy. The model takes into account major physics, such as heat transfer, evaporation, multiple reflections, and Rayleigh scattering. It also considers the attenuation and redistribution of laser energy due to Rayleigh scattering. Especially, the influence of the average particle sizes in the model is mainly investigated. Finally, it is shown that the computational model describing the laser scribing of silicon is valid at an average particle size of about 10 nm.

Flir Systems’ thermal imaging and SICK's entry-level vision-guidance are providing hi-tech solutions for clients

This paper is intended to provide studies performed on usefulness of thermal imaging for the insufficiency of superficial veins in the lower limbs. The results are a continuation of the previous research and show a new way of analysis and better correlation between standard methods of parameters like duplex ultrasonography and parameters derived from thermal imaging. In particular promised seems to be using the mean whole limb temperature of healthy volunteers at a proper age as a threshold to count the isotherm area, and in isotherm analysis should be taken for the whole lower limb—the sum of thermal images from anterior and posterior views (Method II). The study was performed by the use of a Thermovision E60 camera by Flir Systems. All studies (duplex ultrasonography as well as thermal imaging) were performed in a research room with a stabilized temperature on two groups of patients, a group of healthy people and patients suffering from chronic venous disease. During the study, the correlation parameters were obtained with ultrasound and thermal parameters. The results showed that temperature changes observed in the lower extremities of the thermal skin map are associated with a healthy state of blood supply which might be connected with blood stasis, inflammatory states and swelling that occurs in the soft tissues. We found the mean and higher correlations between thermal and ultrasound parameters, for example, a good positive correlation (r = 0.63) between the thermal range to the total limb length radio and the range of reflux was obtained. The correlation between thermal imaging parameters and duplex ultrasound parameters may show that thermovision is an extremely promising method, and it can be useful in the screening of diagnosis of superficial vein insufficiency.

The descriptions of the new products listed in this section are based on information supplied to us by the manufacturers. Physics Today can assume no responsibility for their accuracy. To facilitate inquiries about a particular product, a Reader Service Card is attached inside the back cover of the magazine. Solid-state 460-nm laserSection:ChooseTop of pageSolid-state 460-nm laser <<244-nm ion laserLaser cutting systemDiode-pumped violet laserDiode-pumped Neodymium: Y...Laser microbeam systemBlue laser modulesUV nitrogen laserNonpolarizing hybrid beam...Alumina reflectors for la...Sapphire waveplates for l...New literatureCoherent Laser Division has announced the Sapphire 460-10, a diodepumped semiconductor laser that provides 10 mW of output power at 460 nm. A member of the company’s OPSL (optically pumped semiconductor laser) family, this device has the identical product platform as the 488-nm version released by Coherent earlier. The OPSL line is based on a special type of vertical externalcavity surface-emitting laser, but uses optical pumping of the semiconductor gain medium rather than the more conventional electrical current drive. Designed to enable a new generation of digital-imaging systems, inspection systems, and bioinstrumentation, the Sapphire lasers are said to minimize the limitations associated with the air-cooled, argon-ion lasers currently used in those applications. Coherent Laser Division, 5100 Patrick Henry Drive, P.O. Box 54980, Santa Clara, California 95056-0980, http://www.Coherentinc.com ▸Circle number 181 on Reader Service Card 244-nm ion laser Section:ChooseTop of pageSolid-state 460-nm laser244-nm ion laser <<Laser cutting systemDiode-pumped violet laserDiode-pumped Neodymium: Y...Laser microbeam systemBlue laser modulesUV nitrogen laserNonpolarizing hybrid beam...Alumina reflectors for la...Sapphire waveplates for l...New literatureSpectra-Physics has introduced the iTRAIN-244 doubling option for its single-frequency ion laser. Based on the company’s DeltaConcept external-cavity frequency doubler and the model 2060 ion laser, the iTRAIN-244 delivers more than 200 mW of power at a 244-nm wavelength in the deep UV. Reportedly, this is the first industrial ion laser to use external-cavity doubling. Compared to the intracavity technique used in traditional ion lasers, the iTRAIN-244 delivers up to 10 times better beam-pointing stability. In combination with the ion laser, the doubling module is permanently aligned; all operational functions, including crystal position, are automatically controlled by the laser’s computer. The 244-nm laser is intended for applications such as fiber-Bragg-grating writing and semiconductor inspection. Spectra-Physics, 1335 Terra Bella Avenue, P.O. Box 7013, Mountain View, California 94039, http://www.splasers.com ▸Circle number 182 on Reader Service Card Laser cutting systemSection:ChooseTop of pageSolid-state 460-nm laser244-nm ion laserLaser cutting system <<Diode-pumped violet laserDiode-pumped Neodymium: Y...Laser microbeam systemBlue laser modulesUV nitrogen laserNonpolarizing hybrid beam...Alumina reflectors for la...Sapphire waveplates for l...New literatureThe QuikLase-50 from New Wave Research is a compact, pulsed, single-or multi-wavelength neodymium: YAG laser-cutting system designed for microelectronics machining. Models are available with individual wavelengths of 1064, 532, or 355 nm, a model with all three wavelengths on a user-selectable basis, and a model offering 532 and 266 nm. The QuikLase-50 operates from singleshot to 50 Hz continuously, allowing for optimum control during material removal. In multi-wavelength mode, the laser incorporates the company’s advanced beam-delivery system, which combines multi-wavelength flexibility with single-wavelength convenience. The cutting system is said to be well-suited for trimming high-frequency gold capacitors and small batches of thick- and thin-film resistors, and for removing polyimide, silicon nitride, aluminum, and gold and copper metal lines from semiconducting devices. New Wave Research, 47613 Warm Springs Boulevard, Fremont, California 94539, http://www.new-wave.com ▸Circle number 183 on Reader Service Card Diode-pumped violet laserSection:ChooseTop of pageSolid-state 460-nm laser244-nm ion laserLaser cutting systemDiode-pumped violet laser <<Diode-pumped Neodymium: Y...Laser microbeam systemBlue laser modulesUV nitrogen laserNonpolarizing hybrid beam...Alumina reflectors for la...Sapphire waveplates for l...New literatureMelles Griot’s new 58 BTL series of diode-pumped solid-state lasers operate at 430 nm with a single longitudinal mode and produce an output with less than 2% peak-to-peak noise. The lasers are available with output powers of 5 or 8 mW; the beam is nearly circular (a 1.25:1 aspect ratio) and is linearly polarized. Reportedly, the 58 BTL’s long coherence length is ideal for long-path-length holography and its violet wavelength is well-suited for fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy, confocal microscopy, and DVD mastering applications. Melles Griot Laser Group, 2051 Palomar Airport Road, 200, Carlsbad, California 92009, http://www.mellesgriot.com ▸Circle number 184 on Reader Service Card Diode-pumped Neodymium: YAG laserSection:ChooseTop of pageSolid-state 460-nm laser244-nm ion laserLaser cutting systemDiode-pumped violet laserDiode-pumped Neodymium: Y... <<Laser microbeam systemBlue laser modulesUV nitrogen laserNonpolarizing hybrid beam...Alumina reflectors for la...Sapphire waveplates for l...New literatureCutting Edge Optronics has developed the Scimitar, a diode-pumped 1064-nm neodymium: YAG laser. The model SC-20 produces 20 W in the TEM 00 mode, while the multimode output of models SC-100 and SC-150 are 100 and 150 W, respectively. The Scimitar is equipped for CW or acous-to-optic Q-switch operation from 1 to 50 kHz; the pulsewidth is less than 100 ns at 1 kHz and less than 200 ns at 10 kHz. Also available is an optional green output producing up to 35 W of 532-nm light. Applications for this solid-state laser include micromachining, welding, cutting, ablating, drilling, engraving, sintering, and very fast laser marking. Cutting Edge Optronics Inc, 20 Point West Boulevard, St. Charles, Missouri 63301, http://www.ceolaser.com ▸Circle number 185 on Reader Service Card Laser microbeam systemSection:ChooseTop of pageSolid-state 460-nm laser244-nm ion laserLaser cutting systemDiode-pumped violet laserDiode-pumped Neodymium: Y...Laser microbeam system <<Blue laser modulesUV nitrogen laserNonpolarizing hybrid beam...Alumina reflectors for la...Sapphire waveplates for l...New literatureThe Palm Laser Microbeam system from Carl Zeiss was designed for microdissection, microablation, and contamination-free recovery of homogeneous cell areas, single cells, or subcellular structures. A highphoton-density nitrogen UV laser is interfaced into the Palm’s microscope and focused through an objective to a beam-spot size of less than 1 µm in diameter. The system precisely cuts out a selected area or a single cell. After microdissection, the isolated specimen is ejected from the object plane and catapulted directly into the cap of a common microphage tube. Laser-pressure catapulting (LPC) is achieved with the laser-pressure force; samples can be driven several millimeters up against gravity. Recovery of DNA, RNA, or protein is not impaired by the LPC process and the samples can be forwarded for further analysis. Carl Zeiss Inc, One Zeiss Drive, Thornwood, New York 10594, http://www.zeiss.com/micro ▸Circle number 186 on Reader Service Card Blue laser modulesSection:ChooseTop of pageSolid-state 460-nm laser244-nm ion laserLaser cutting systemDiode-pumped violet laserDiode-pumped Neodymium: Y...Laser microbeam systemBlue laser modules <<UV nitrogen laserNonpolarizing hybrid beam...Alumina reflectors for la...Sapphire waveplates for l...New literaturePower Technology has introduced a temperature-controlled semiconductor laser module, the PPM04 (LD1406). It emits a 4-mW beam of blue light at 440 ± 10 nm, and is said to be an efficient, compact, low-cost replacement for helium-cadmium lasers. The PPM04 features a low-temperature coefficient of 0.06 nm/°C and incorporates a thermoelectric cooler to keep the lasers operating at 20°C, thus prolonging the life of the diodes (estimated mean time to failure in excess of 500 h). The module offers a stable wavelength in a single transverse mode, an adjustable focus, beam centering, and optional beam-expanding optics. Applications include fluorescence, spectroscopy, microscopy, display, high-resolution printing, and medical diagnostic procedures. Power Technology Inc, P.O. Box 191117, Little Rock, Arkansas 72219-1117, http://www.powertechnology.com ▸Circle number 187 on Reader Service Card UV nitrogen laserSection:ChooseTop of pageSolid-state 460-nm laser244-nm ion laserLaser cutting systemDiode-pumped violet laserDiode-pumped Neodymium: Y...Laser microbeam systemBlue laser modulesUV nitrogen laser <<Nonpolarizing hybrid beam...Alumina reflectors for la...Sapphire waveplates for l...New literatureThermo Laser Science has announced the 337-Sx OEM nitrogen laser as a source of 337.1-nm UV radiation with a repetition rate of up to 100 Hz. It emits pulses of 4 ns in duration with a pulse energy of 50-100 µJ at 100 Hz and 75-150 µJ at 10 Hz. Peak power is 12-25 kW at 100 Hz, and 19-38 kW at 10 Hz; the average power is 5-10 mW at 100 Hz. The 337-Sx can be used with the matrixassisted laser-desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometric and other OEM applications. MALDI-TOF is used to identify proteins and plays an important role in proteomics research involving the entire complement of human proteins. The 337-Sx incorporates a field-replaceable sealed plasma cartridge, a polymer-encapsulated module that includes the energy-storage capacitors, the spark-gap switching element, the plasma tube, and the resonator mirrors. Thermo Laser Science, 8E Forge Parkway, Franklin, Massachusetts 02038, http://www.laserscience.com ▸Circle number 188 on Reader Service Card Nonpolarizing hybrid beamsplittersSection:ChooseTop of pageSolid-state 460-nm laser244-nm ion laserLaser cutting systemDiode-pumped violet laserDiode-pumped Neodymium: Y...Laser microbeam systemBlue laser modulesUV nitrogen laserNonpolarizing hybrid beam... <<Alumina reflectors for la...Sapphire waveplates for l...New literatureEdmund Industrial Optics has introduced a new line of beamsplitters, based on the low polarization dependence of their hybrid metallic/dielectric coatings. Designed to reflect 50% of the incident energy, these beamsplitters are made from BK7 optical-grade glass with minimum substrate thickness. All back surfaces are multilayer, antireflection coated to reduce back reflections to less than 0.5% for each of the available wavelength ranges 430-670 nm and 720-1080 nm. The design allows for minimal ghosting of images and maximum throughput, reportedly with much less energy loss than beamsplitters with metallic coatings. The new models have a surface accuracy of 1 λ per inch on both surfaces, a clear aperture greater than 85%, and a parallelism of ≤3 arc minutes. Edmund Industrial Optics, 101 East Gloucester Pike, Barrington, New Jersey 08007-1380, http://www.edmundoptics.com ▸Circle number 189 on Reader Service Card Alumina reflectors for lasersSection:ChooseTop of pageSolid-state 460-nm laser244-nm ion laserLaser cutting systemDiode-pumped violet laserDiode-pumped Neodymium: Y...Laser microbeam systemBlue laser modulesUV nitrogen laserNonpolarizing hybrid beam...Alumina reflectors for la... <<Sapphire waveplates for l...New literatureMorgan Advanced Ceramics (MAC) is offering alumina ceramic reflectors for use primarily in pumping chambers for low- or high-power YAG lasers. The MAC reflectors are made from the ceramic formulation Sintox AL, a porous 99.7% alumina sintered at high temperature to a controlled porosity; a high-temperature glaze is then applied to seal the reflecting surface. Maximum sizes for standard manufacturing techniques are 250 mm in length and up to 80 mm in diameter. Sintox AL features a highly diffuse reflection characteristic over a 570-2000 nm wavelength band, high mechanical strength, superior thermal conductivity, and high dimensional and electrical stability at all operating temperatures. Morgan Advanced Ceramics, 225 Theodore Rice Boulevard, New Bedford, Massachusetts 02745, http://www.morganadvancedceramics.com ▸Circle number 190 on Reader Service Card Sapphire waveplates for lasersSection:ChooseTop of pageSolid-state 460-nm laser244-nm ion laserLaser cutting systemDiode-pumped violet laserDiode-pumped Neodymium: Y...Laser microbeam systemBlue laser modulesUV nitrogen laserNonpolarizing hybrid beam...Alumina reflectors for la...Sapphire waveplates for l... <<New literatureMeller Optics’ sapphire waveplates are available from 300 to 4700 nm for erbium: YAG and holmium lasers at 2940 and 2100 nm, respectively. Said to be more durable than quartz or mica and impervious to chemicals, the waveplates are offered in quarterwave or half-wave versions, depending on polarization requirements. They feature a 10-5 scratch-dig surface quality and less than 1 arc second parallelism, and are offered in 10-30 mm diameters, with “V” coat or broadband antireflection coatings at ≤0.25% reflection per surface. Meller Optics Inc, 120 Corliss Street, P.O. Box 6001, Providence, Rhode Island 02940 ▸Circle number 191 on Reader Service Card New literatureSection:ChooseTop of pageSolid-state 460-nm laser244-nm ion laserLaser cutting systemDiode-pumped violet laserDiode-pumped Neodymium: Y...Laser microbeam systemBlue laser modulesUV nitrogen laserNonpolarizing hybrid beam...Alumina reflectors for la...Sapphire waveplates for l...New literature <<Janos Technology has announced its 2001 Precision Optical Components catalog, which includes infrared optics from windows and lenses to off-axis parabolic mirrors. The products section contains part numbers and specifications; the reference section, a table of contents and technical information. Janos Technology Inc, 1068 Grafton Road, Townshend, Vermont 05353-7702, http://www.janostech.com ▸Circle number 192 On Reader Service Card © 2001 American Institute of Physics.

Laser processing of glass components is of significant commercial interest for the optoelectronics and telecommunications industries. In this paper, we present laser processing techniques using microsecond, nanosecond, and femtosecond lasers for machining of glass. Surface structures, mainly groove geometries, are generated with a diode-pumped solid-state nanosecond pulsed UV laser operating at 266 nm, a Q-switched CO2 laser operating at 9.25 µm, a CO2 laser operating at 10.6 µm and a femtosecond pulsed laser operating at 800 nm. Grooves are cross-sectioned and viewed with a focused ion beam (FIB) microscope. The resultant material structures are examined with respect to the differences in time scale and the appropriateness of each laser type for particular processes.Laser processing of glass components is of significant commercial interest for the optoelectronics and telecommunications industries. In this paper, we present laser processing techniques using microsecond, nanosecond, and femtosecond lasers for machining of glass. Surface structures, mainly groove geometries, are generated with a diode-pumped solid-state nanosecond pulsed UV laser operating at 266 nm, a Q-switched CO2 laser operating at 9.25 µm, a CO2 laser operating at 10.6 µm and a femtosecond pulsed laser operating at 800 nm. Grooves are cross-sectioned and viewed with a focused ion beam (FIB) microscope. The resultant material structures are examined with respect to the differences in time scale and the appropriateness of each laser type for particular processes.

Dual-excitation ratiometric dyes are excited alternately at two different wavelengths, but the emission is collected at a single fixed wavelength. Therefore, the pair of intensity measurements must be collected sequentially. Ratiometric-pericam is a fluorescent Ca2+ indicator based on a chimeric fusion protein of circularly permuted green fluorescent protein and calmodulin. Upon binding to calcium, its excitation peak shifts from 415 nm to 494 nm. Ca2+ imaging using ratiometric-pericam was thought to be inadequate to follow very fast Ca2+ dynamics or Ca2+ changes in highly motile cell samples; however, we describe a technique that allows high spatial and time resolution of images acquired with ratiometric-pericam. To obtain confocal images of Ca2+ using ratiometric-pericam, we established a system in which two laser beams (excitation 408 nm and 488 nm) are alternated on every scanning line under the control of two acousto-optic tunable filters. This system increases the rate at which ratio measurements are done to 200 Hz, and provides confocal images at 1 to 10 Hz depending on the image size. The ratio images are free from noise caused by the fluctuation of laser power, because the system is equipped with a violet laser diode (408 nm) and a diode-pumped solid-state laser (488 nm), both of which are stable. We visualized the dynamic propagation of Ca2+ waves from the cytosol to the nucleus and changes in Ca2+ concentrations in motile mitochondria of HeLa cells. We demonstrate that this new confocal imaging system expands the range of potential applications of ratiometric-pericam and other dual-excitation ratiometric indicators.

In this paper a statistical analysis of thermal images, obtained by the line scanning technique, with the view of reducing the image data redundancy is given. The analyzed thermal images are produced by the infrared line scanner on board and by a computer simulation. The statistical analysis is based on grey level mean values, standard deviations and correlations. A special filtering method is proposed to eliminate the line-like interference which appears on enlarged thermal image photographs made from the film.

Female upper body and breast skin temperature and thermal comfort following exercise

This experiment was conducted to improve estrus detection using a thermal sensor based on multiple object tracking system. A total of six Hanwoo (Korean native beef cattle, BW= 404 ± 58 kg) were used in this study. They were housed in a 5 × 10 m pen by three animals per replication. The total amount of moving distance and feed intake were measured before and after estrus period. The infrared thermography camera (FLIR A615, FLIR SYSTEMS, USA) was placed approximately 9 m above ground to take thermal images. The video files were analyzed to calculate moving distance of experimental animals by the tracking system which was developed by our previous research. Each animal in a pen was tracked on thermal video files, and then moving distances were calculated by topographic surface-based object segmentation, velocity weight, and the river-bed refinement. Feed intake was calculated every day at 0900 by weighing residual feed. On the day before estrus, the total moving distance of experimental animals was 6,434 m (Pen 1= 6,873 m, Pen 2= 5,995m), whereas it was 15,121 m (Pen 1= 17,434 m and Pen 2= 12,808 m) on the estrus day, showing 2.35 times increase (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in moving activity. Feed intake was decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) by 11% on estrus day (29.4 vs. 26.1 kg). A decrease in feed intake and an increase in movement of beef cattle on the estrus day, were obvious signs that have been well documented not only in previous researches and but empirical knowledge. In this study, however, the exact moving distance of Korean native beef cattle was calculated by the thermal imaging video tracking system. Therefore, this multiple object tracking system could be applied in practice to detect estrus of beef cattle.

BackgroundThermal imaging has been used as a clinical follow-up technique in several medical specialties.PurposeThe aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using medical thermography in the diagnosis and follow-up assessment of a severe orthopedic trauma that requires the use of an external circular fixator.Patients and MethodsTwenty clinical follow-ups of thermal imaging correlated with X-ray images were performed in a male volunteer, diagnosed with bone nonunion, during 11 months of treatment, in the hospital trauma and reconstruction department. Data were acquired in the regions of interest of the proximal tibia, diaphysis and distal, with a Flir T530 medical grade infrared camera from Flir Systems®, and the data processed by the Matlab® 2019 custom made software.ResultsStatistical analysis was performed by Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The results showed a median temperature of 22.2°C, and thus some periods of interruption in the healing process between the third and twentieth clinical follow-up, and a significant increase of the temperature to 34.6°C synchronous with a diagnosis of bone infection by the eleventh clinical follow-up. The thermal images acquired during the 20 clinical follow-ups allow a correlation with the data from the X-ray exams and also with the contralateral limb of the evaluated patient, showing thermal alterations greater than 0.3°C, which are significant of physiological abnormality.ConclusionThe thermography exam can be a useful tool for applying on the follow-up of patients after trauma or bone fracture. The results showed important physiological data related to the vascularization necessary for bone repairing, being therefore a good indicator of the healing process. In addition, as infrared thermography does not use ionizing radiation, it can be used countlessly, in complement to the traditional X-ray exams that focus on anatomical data analysis.

Rotary disk laser has a very efficient thermal management approach that uses physical motion of the gain medium in a diode-pumped solid state laser. The benefits of rotary disk lasers over conventional bulk solid state lasers are high efficiency, power scalability and high peak power pulsed operation in a single-mode output beam. We have generated 72.8 W of TEM00 Qswitched output power at 50% slope efficiency in a crystalline Yb-YAG rotary disk laser.

Starting with the rate equations, the dynamical behavior of passively Q-switched, diodepumped solid-state lasers was investigated. The importance of the absorption cross section of the saturable absorber material was evaluated, and the relevant parameters of a passively Q-switched laser were studied. The theoretical calculations were compared with results from experiments performed with a longitudinally diode-pumped Nd:YLF laser which was Q-switched by means of Cr4+: YAG as saturable absorber.

Emotional stress status is normally to be intertwined with physical stress information. It is meaningful to classify stress for real application such as homeland security and health. In this study, the classification algorithms are proposed based on electro-optical imaging system, such as thermal imaging (TI) system and multispectral imaging (MSI) system. Through the proposed model, the classification signals of ES and PS are successfully obtained. Experiments show that the classification result is encouraging, and the accuracy of the proposed algorithm is over 90%. This study can lead to a useful system for the stress classification and real applications. This research can lay a foundation for the application of stress recognition.

Thermovision is a completely non-invasive and easy-to-perform method of imaging, and it is becoming useful not only in different modalities of clinical medicine, but also in sports medicine. However, it seems that thermal imaging may also find some use in training. That is why the aim of these studies is to compare temperature parameters with data obtained from specialist equipment, which uses monitoring to choose organism parameters during the endurance test and also to determine the efficiency level. In this study, we also try to estimate body metabolism, using a modified formula of Kleiber’s law. We describe how metabolism changes during efficiency tests and compare these changes with parameters checked by an ergospirometer. All studies were performed by thermovision camera (Flir Systems E60). Results of the study showed that thermal imaging may be useful in sports medicine as a helpful method in efficiency evaluation. We obtained a high correlation between the standard parameters used in efficiency tests and the parameters derived from thermal imaging, which may suggest the possibility of using thermovision as an additional method in the planning of training cycles, and its effects.