Infraredsäteily

Infrared radiation, often called infrared light or IR radiation, is a type of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than visible light and shorter than microwaves. It is part of the electromagnetic spectrum and is invisible to the human eye. The term "infrared" means "below red," referring to the fact that infrared light has lower frequencies and longer wavelengths than red light, which is the color with the longest wavelength in the visible spectrum.

All objects with a temperature above absolute zero emit infrared radiation. The hotter an object is, the more infrared radiation it emits. This is why infrared radiation is often associated with heat. For instance, the human body emits infrared radiation, which is why thermal cameras can detect people in the dark. The Sun is a major source of infrared radiation, contributing to the Earth's warmth.

Infrared radiation has numerous applications. In astronomy, it is used to study distant celestial objects, as it can penetrate dust clouds that block visible light. In telecommunications, infrared is used in remote controls for televisions and other electronic devices, as well as in short-range wireless communication. Medical imaging, spectroscopy, and night vision devices also utilize infrared technology. The detection of infrared radiation is typically done using specialized sensors that convert the energy of the infrared photons into an electrical signal.