Infrared - definition

Infrared (IR, Infrared) is the range of electromagnetic radiation beyond the red end of visible light, in the wavelength range from about 780 nanometres to 1 millimetre. Although invisible to the human eye, infrared is perceived as heat because many objects that emit IR radiation are bodies with temperatures above absolute zero. This phenomenon is due to particle vibrations and thermal emission, making infrared an important area of research in physics, engineering and sensor technology.

The infrared spectrum is divided into several sub-bands, including near infrared (NIR), mid-infrared (MIR) and far-infrared (FIR), each of which has applications in different fields of technology. In the near infrared, the most common application is data transmission in simple wireless systems such as remote controls or optical interfaces, where small transmitting Diodes and photodetectors are used. The mid- and far-infrared are dominated by applications related to thermal imaging, spectroscopy and materials diagnostics.

IR technologies are used in monitoring systems, motion sensors, optical communications, medicine, building automation and industry. An important technical aspect is that infrared radiation can penetrate some materials inaccessible to visible light, but at the same time is strongly absorbed by water and atmospheric water vapour, limiting its range in open environments.

Infrared phenomena include emission, absorption, reflection and transmission of electromagnetic waves in this range, which is used in the design of optics, spectral filters, detectors and radiation sources. IR sensors can be uncooled (e.g. bolometric) or cryogenically cooled, depending on sensitivity and detection range requirements. Due to its ability to detect thermal energy, IR is also the basis of thermal imaging systems and presence detection technologies.

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