kaukoinfrapunasäteilyn

Kaukoinfrapunasäteily, also known as far-infrared radiation, is a segment of the electromagnetic spectrum. It lies between the microwave and the visible light portions. The wavelength range for far-infrared radiation is typically considered to be from 15 micrometers to 1 millimeter. Its frequency range is approximately 300 gigahertz to 20 terahertz.

All objects with a temperature above absolute zero emit thermal radiation, and for objects at room temperature or slightly above, a significant portion of this emitted radiation falls within the far-infrared spectrum. This is why far-infrared cameras can detect heat signatures and are used for applications such as thermal imaging, night vision, and detecting temperature variations.

In scientific contexts, far-infrared radiation is crucial for studying celestial objects. Many astronomical bodies, including planets, stars in their early or late stages of development, and interstellar dust clouds, emit strongly in this spectral range. Telescopes equipped with far-infrared detectors can penetrate dust clouds that obscure visible light, providing valuable insights into the formation of stars and galaxies.

Beyond astronomy and thermal imaging, far-infrared radiation has some applications in spectroscopy for identifying molecular structures and in certain types of heating processes. Its interaction with matter is closely related to molecular vibrations, making it a useful tool for chemical analysis.