NIR is an acronym that stands for Near-Infrared. It is a term used to describe a range of wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum that are close to the infrared light but can be perceived by the human eye. NIR radiation falls between the visible light spectrum and the longer wavelengths of infrared radiation.
Near-Infrared light consists of wavelengths ranging from approximately 700 to 2500 nanometers (nm). It is considered as a part of the non-ionizing radiation due to its lower energy compared to the shorter wavelengths of ultraviolet or X-rays. NIR radiation is often used in various scientific, technological, and industrial applications.
In the field of spectroscopy, NIR is utilized for analyzing the properties of different materials. NIR spectroscopy involves measuring the absorption, reflection, or transmission of NIR light by a substance to identify its composition or determine specific characteristics.
Additionally, NIR imaging finds applications in medical diagnostics, including imaging blood flow and tissue oxygenation. It is also used in agriculture for remote sensing and assessing crop health and productivity. NIR is employed in the food industry for quality control and determining the chemical composition of products.
Overall, NIR is a range of wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum that is slightly beyond what the human eye can perceive, but its properties make it valuable for a wide range of scientific, industrial, and medical applications.
