Infrared

Infrared light lies between the visible and microwave portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Infrared light has a range of wavelengths, just like visible light has wavelengths that range from red light to violet. Humans, at normal body temperature, radiate most strongly in the infrared at a wavelength of about 10 microns. (A micron is the term commonly used in astronomy for a micrometer or one millionth of a meter.)



Infrared is easily generated and doesn't suffer electromagnetic interference, so it is nicely used to communication and control. Some other light emissions could contain infrared as well, and that can interfere in this communication. The sun is an example, since it emits a wide spectrum or radiation.


Infrared Photography is another aspect of infrared. In infrared photography, the film or image sensor used is sensitive to infrared light. The part of the spectrum used is referred to as near-infrared to distinguish it from far-infrared. Wavelengths used for photography range from about 700 nm to about 900 nm. Usually an infrared filter will be used, whereby only infrared (IR) light pass through to the camera, while all or most of the visible light spectrum are being blocked.

INFRARED in Summary