Infrapun

Infrapun refers to infrared emission and related technology, including illumination and imaging systems that exploit infrared light beyond the visible range. The term appears in various languages and markets, often as a shorthand for infrared lamps, LEDs, or imaging devices.

The infrared spectrum covers approximately 700 nanometers to 1 millimeter. Infrapun applications typically operate in the near-infrared (roughly 0.75 to 1.4 micrometers) or mid-infrared bands, with longer wavelengths used for thermal imaging. These wavelengths are invisible to the naked eye but can be detected by specialized sensors.

Technologies include infrared light sources such as LEDs and laser diodes, and detectors including InGaAs and InSb photodiodes, as well as bolometer-based thermal cameras for far-infrared. Imaging in this domain can produce visual representations by measuring reflected ambient IR or emitted thermal radiation, sometimes with spectral filtering to separate bands.

Applications span security and surveillance, automotive night-vision, industrial inspection, and medical or scientific fields. Infrared illumination enables imaging through smoke, fog, or glare where visible light is ineffective. Inadvertently interfering with wildlife or privacy concerns can arise in some settings.

Safety and standards emphasize eye protection for high-intensity IR sources and appropriate shielding. Standards bodies such as IEC and ISO publish guidelines on exposure limits and equipment certification.

See also infrared, thermal imaging, night vision, IR LEDs, optical communication.