Infrared (IR) radiation has a wide range of technological applications because it can transmit information, detect heat, and penetrate certain materials. Key applications include:
- Remote Controls
- TV, AC, and other device remotes use near-infrared (NIR) LEDs to send coded signals to a sensor.
- Thermal Imaging
- Used in night vision cameras, firefighting, building inspections, and wildlife monitoring to detect heat patterns.
- Astronomy
- IR telescopes (like NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope) see through cosmic dust to observe stars and galaxies invisible in visible light.
- Medical Diagnostics
- IR thermography measures skin temperature for fever screening or blood flow studies.
- IR lasers used in surgery for cutting and cauterizing tissue.
- Fiber Optic Communication
- Near-infrared light (around 850–1550 nm) carries data over long distances with minimal loss.
- Industrial Monitoring
- Detect overheating machinery, monitor manufacturing processes, and check product quality.
- Environmental and Agricultural Use
- Monitor plant health, water stress, and soil conditions using IR-sensitive drones or satellites.
- Security Systems
- Motion detectors use IR sensors to spot warm bodies moving in an area.