Infrared light ( /ˌɪnfrəˈrɛd laɪt/ ) is a type of electromagnetic radiation, with longer wavelengths than visible light but shorter wavelengths than radio waves. The spelling of "infrared" follows typical English phonetic conventions, with the prefix "infra-" meaning "below" or "lower than" and the root word "red" referring to the color red, which is at the upper end of the visible light spectrum. Therefore, "infrared" literally means "below red," referring to its position in the electromagnetic spectrum.
Infrared light refers to a type of electromagnetic radiation that falls within the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. It is characterized by wavelengths longer than those of visible light, ranging from approximately 700 nanometers to 1 millimeter. The term "infrared" is derived from the Latin words "infra," meaning below, and "ruber," meaning red, indicating that it lies just below the red color of visible light.
Infrared light is not visible to the naked human eye but can be detected using specialized equipment such as thermal cameras or infrared sensors. It is emitted by objects that possess thermal energy, including the human body, animals, and even inanimate objects like buildings. This makes it particularly useful in various applications including night vision technology, remote temperature measurement, and heat detection.
Infrared light is commonly categorized into three segments based on their wavelengths: near-infrared, mid-infrared, and far-infrared. Near-infrared, with shorter wavelengths, is often utilized in communication technology and optical fiber applications. Mid-infrared is frequently employed in spectroscopy for chemical analysis purposes and in thermal imaging cameras. Far-infrared, with longer wavelengths, finds application in astronomy and studying the properties of materials, especially in the field of infrared spectroscopy.
Overall, infrared light plays a crucial role in many scientific, industrial, and medical applications due to its ability to penetrate certain materials and carry thermal information. Its unique nature offers a vast range of possibilities for exploration and utilization in various fields.
The word "infrared" has its roots in Latin. It is derived from the two Latin words "infra" meaning "below" or "beneath", and "ruber" meaning "red". In this context, "infra" refers to the electromagnetic frequency that falls below the range of red light in the visible spectrum. Therefore, "infrared light" can be understood as "below red light" or "beneath red light" as it lies just beyond the red end of the visible spectrum.