Infrared in Modern World

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Infrared in Modern World

This lesson aligns with NGSS PS4.C

Introduction

One everyday use of infrared radiation in our daily lives is the TV remote control. This type of radiation lies in between the visible light and radio waves. However, infrared radiation has longer wavelengths, so they are less harmful. In this article, you will get to know in detail about infrared, its properties, and its significance in the digital world.

What is Infrared Radiation?

Infrared is the Electromagnetic radiation of longer wavelengths than visible light and shorter than microwaves, ranging from 700 nm to 1 mm. Hence, it is invisible to the human eye. Still, under specific situations, people can detect Infrared Radiation (IR) at wavelengths of up to 1050 nanometers (nm) from pulsed lasers.

The term infrared means "below red" visible light, which is invisible to the human eye, but it's detectable and has various applications.

Classification Of Infrared Radiation

Infrared radiations are divided into 5 classes based on the spectral range.

Near-infrared
Short wavelength infrared
Mid wavelength IR
Long wavelength IR
Far infrared

Properties of infrared

The great infrared source is from the sun, which reaches the earth through heat. Here, we will study infrared properties, which help us to get benefits in our lives.

Infrared has a longer wavelength and lower frequency than visible light. They are divided into five categories discussed above.
Infrared is thermal radiation that an object can emit in proportion to its temperature.
Infrared can penetrate many materials like fat water and glass plastics; however, some IR rays are highly absorptive.
Infrared waves do not have much energy to cause ionization. so this property of non-ionizing makes it safe for many applications and the use of the kitchen in the form of microwave ovens.

Significance of Infrared in Modern World

Infrared Thermometers

IR thermometers are very effective in measuring body temperature from a distance without touching the object or patient. This application was beneficial in the COVID-19 outbreak. IR Thermometers also serve in medical settings, industries, and food preparation to check the temperature.

Cosmetology

Infrared has penetrating power and can penetrate up to 3mm inside the skin, so it can help in treating skin injuries, reducing dandruff and blackheads, and other smoothening treatments for skin. Because of its thermal effect, it can warm up the blood and increase blood circulation, resulting in the supply of new nutrition to all parts of the skin.

Guided Missile Technology

Missiles or heat seekers use this IR technology in which radiations emitted from hot bodies or the target can be detected or tracked for attack. Other objects such as humans, car engines, and aircraft—generate and retain heat, making them particularly visible in the infrared light spectrum.

Night Vision Devices

Night vision cameras help us to have a better view at night when there is not enough visible light to see. Some high-end vehicles also have special cameras to guide drivers about any pedestrian, animal, or object in the dark. Night vision devices function with the help of photons from the surrounding environment, which are first transformed into electrons, then amplified through a chemical and electrical process, and finally back into visible light.

Infrared Spectroscopy

For molecules with the proper symmetry, the infrared frequency range is suitable for studying the energy states of molecules. The study of photon absorption and transmission in the infrared spectrum is known as infrared spectroscopy. So, it is a powerful analytical technique used in scientific research to study the molecule's movements and bonds. It involves shining a sample with infrared light and calculating the light's absorption and reflection.

Infrared Sensors

Passive infrared (PIR) sensors are infrared sensors that identify the presence of heat-generating objects, such as animals and people. They are extensively utilized in automatic doors, security alarms, and motion-activated lighting systems.

Summary

Infrared rays are radiations with longer wavelengths and lower frequency, so the less penetrating nature of this radiation makes it safe for many purposes.
Infrared radiation emits heat, so its accidental discovery led to using microwave ovens to reheat leftover food.
Infrared is classified into five categories based on spectrum ranges, and we utilize those spectral regions for several purposes.

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