Infrared

❖ SAHAJ AGARWAL
S20160010077

❖ S. LOKESH
S20160010078

❖ SALLA DASHARATHA SAI VAMSHI

S20160010080
What is Infrared?
❖ Infrared radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation which lies between
visible light and microwave spectrum.
❖ British astronomer William Herschel discovered infrared light in 1800 and
named them as Calorific rays.
❖ It’s wavelength range lies between 700 nm to 1 mm.
❖ It is invisible to human eye although longer infrared waves can be sensed as
heat.
❖ It has some similar characteristics as visible light namely, it is focused, reflected
and polarised.
❖ The word infrared is derived from the fact that it has a lower (infra) frequency
than that of red visible light and hence the term, infrared.
Electromagnetic Spectrum
Sources of Infrared
❖ The primary source of infrared radiation is heat or thermal radiation. Infact,
everything above absolute zero temperature radiates in the Infrared.
❖ Humans, as well, at normal body temperature emit infrared radiation.
❖ Some popular synthesised sources of Infrared -
➢ Nernst glower: It was used to provide continuous source of IR radiation
for use in spectroscopy.
➢ Quartz tungsten Halogen (QTH) lamps: It is a popular near infrared (NIR)
source.
➢ IR lasers: IR lasers like CO2 laser is used in IR spectroscopy for far IR
measurements.
Importance Of Infrared
❖ A TV remote control uses IR waves to change channels.
❖ Physiotherapists use heat lamps emitting Infrared to heal sports injuries.
❖ Other popular applications of Infrared include -
➢ Thermography: Infrared radiation can be used to remotely determine the
temperature of objects since it is emitted by all objects with a temperature
above absolute zero.
➢ Night Vision: Infrared is used in night vision equipment when there is
insufficient visible light to see.
➢ Security: Passive Infrared detectors, which are triggered by heat, are used
in burglar alarm systems.
➢ Weather Forecast: IR camera images are used to infer cloud and rain
patterns and thus, help in predicting weather.
 Biological use of Infrared
❖ Pit Vipers use IR to ❖ Infrared scanners are used to ❖ Bats read Infrared
detect their prey at determine the health of wood. signals to detect their
night. prey at night.
Harmful Effects Of Infrared
❖ Eye damage: Infrared raises the internal temperature of the eye, virtually
“baking” it. Prolonged IR exposure can lead to cataracts, corneal ulcers, and
retinal burns.
❖ Skin Damage: Prolonged IR exposure induces new blood vessels to form from
pre-existing ones in the skin. It causes unusual growth and migration of skin
cells and changes structural proteins in the skin, and this adds to premature skin
ageing.
❖ Greenhouse effect: Greenhouse gases can cause Infrared radiation to be
trapped near earth’s surface. This trapped radiation can cause increased
temperatures and changes in weather that could be harmful to people and
animals.
Thank You.