Infrared
Infrared (IR)
Infrared (pronounced /ɪnfrəˈrɛd/) is a type of electromagnetic radiation that is invisible to the human eye but can be felt as heat. The term "infrared" comes from the Latin infra, meaning "below", and red, the color of the longest wavelengths of visible light.
Etymology
The term "infrared" was first used in the early 19th century by the British astronomer William Herschel, who discovered this form of radiation while studying the spectrum of sunlight. He named it "infrared" because it lies just beyond the red end of the visible spectrum.
Related Terms
- Electromagnetic spectrum: The range of all possible frequencies of electromagnetic radiation, of which infrared is a part.
- Thermal imaging: A technology that uses infrared radiation to create images based on differences in temperature.
- Infrared spectroscopy: A technique used in chemistry to identify molecules by their absorption of infrared light.
- Infrared astronomy: The study of celestial objects that emit infrared radiation.
Applications
Infrared radiation has many practical applications, including night vision, thermal efficiency analysis, remote controls, and in the field of healthcare for its therapeutic properties.
In the medical field, infrared radiation is used in thermography, a diagnostic tool that captures the heat patterns of the body to detect abnormalities like tumors or inflammation. It is also used in photocoagulation, a treatment for certain eye conditions, and in infrared saunas, which are believed to have various health benefits.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Infrared
- Wikipedia's article - Infrared
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