Contrast enhancement of mid and far infrared images of subcutaneous veins

A simple procedure to enhance the contrast of infrared images of subcutaneous veins is presented. This procedure implies the topical application of a substance which modifies the energy transfer process from the veins to the sensor of the infrared camera. After the application of the substance, energy is transferred in such a way that the image contrast is enhanced up to more than 400%, of its original value. The duration of the effect spans for more than 11 min which is enough for many practical applications. This effect is shown through a series of infrared images of the hand, the foot and the neck of human subjects. The infrared spectra of the applied substance are presented to explain the related phenomena. The proposed procedure is innocuous, easy to achieve, time efficient, and of low cost. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.