Infrarotes

Infrarotes refers to infrared radiation, a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum with wavelengths longer than visible light and shorter than microwaves. The infrared range is typically defined as about 0.75 micrometers to 1 millimeter, and it is often divided into near infrared, mid infrared, and far infrared, depending on wavelength and applications. The term appears in various linguistic contexts as a label for this form of radiation.

Infrared radiation is produced by thermal emission from objects at nonzero temperatures. According to Planck’s law, all matter above absolute zero emits IR to some extent, with the spectral peak shifting to longer wavelengths as temperature decreases. For example, the human body at roughly 310 kelvin emits most strongly around 9 to 10 micrometers. Infrared radiation is non-ionizing and interacts with matter primarily through vibrational and rotational molecular modes, leading to characteristic absorption features in spectra and to heat transfer via radiation.

Detection and measurement of infrarotes rely on specialized sensors and instruments. Photodetectors, bolometers, and thermopile sensors form infrared cameras, spectrometers, and thermal imagers used across science, industry, and medicine. Practical applications include night vision and surveillance, thermal imaging for building diagnostics and electrical systems, spectroscopy for chemical analysis, and free-space or fiber-based infrared communications.

Safety considerations note that concentrated infrared exposure can cause thermal injury to skin or eyes, so appropriate shielding and protective eyewear are advised in relevant settings. The study of infrarotes has a long history beginning with William Herschel’s discovery of infrared radiation in the late 18th century and continues to expand through advances in materials, detectors, and imaging techniques.