Infrared Radiation
What is Infrared Radiation?#
Infrared radiation (IR) is a type of electromagnetic radiation that is invisible to the human eye. It is located on the electromagnetic spectrum between visible light and microwaves. IR radiation is emitted by all objects above absolute zero, and the higher the temperature of an object, the more IR radiation it emits.
Types of Infrared Radiation
There are three types of IR radiation:
- Near-infrared (NIR): NIR radiation has a wavelength range of 0.75 to 1.4 micrometers. It is the closest type of IR radiation to visible light and is used in applications such as remote controls, night vision, and medical imaging.
- Mid-infrared (MIR): MIR radiation has a wavelength range of 1.4 to 8 micrometers. It is used in applications such as thermal imaging, spectroscopy, and gas detection.
- Far-infrared (FIR): FIR radiation has a wavelength range of 8 to 1000 micrometers. It is used in applications such as heat lamps, saunas, and medical therapy.
Infrared Radiation Discovery#
Infrared radiation, a type of electromagnetic radiation, was discovered in the early 19th century through various scientific investigations and experiments. Here’s a timeline of key events and figures involved in its discovery: