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Discovery of Infrared
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Historically, Sir William Herschel is credited with the discovery of the infrared spectrum in 1781. While conducting temperature experiments, he passed light through a glass prism, thereby breaking it into the various colors (Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange and Red). By then measuring the temperature of the various colors using a thermometer, he found that as he moved the thermometer from the cooler colors (blue), to the warmer ones (red), that there was an associated temperature increase. By moving beyond the reddish colors he then found that there was a significant increase in temperature, not associated with any visible color that the naked eye could see. This region is now known as "infrared" (literally meaning “beyond red”). More about the discovery of Infrared…
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Electromagnetic Spectrum
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What we see with our own eyes as human beings makes up a very small part of what is known as the Electromagnetic Spectrum. This is the term coined by scientists to bundle numerous types of radiation. Radiation is energy that spreads out as it advances. So, light from a lamp emits visible light, while a local radio station emits radio waves – these are but two types of electromagnetic radiation. Other kinds of radiation include microwaves, infrared, ultraviolet, x-ray and gamma-rays. More about the Electromagnetic Spectrum...
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Different kinds of Infrared
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Infrared spans three orders of magnitude, having a wavelength that falls between 700nm and 1mm. Typically, although there is much ongoing debate about how to classify the different kinds of infrared radiation, it is generally accepted that Near, Short / Mid / Long and Far radiation define this kind of emission along the electromagnetic spectrum. Human response to this kind of radiation (what the human eye can see), physical mechanisms (such as water absorption) and the latest technical measurements (such as infrared cameras and other devices tuned to become ever more sensitive to this spectrum) have made creating an international standard virtually impossible. Shed more light on Near, Mid and Far-Infrared.
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Thermal Radiation
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Thermal Radiation is just another word for “heat” and is defined as the energy radiated from hot surfaces as electromagnetic waves. Heat exists, and can be measured, within objects according to the motion of its molecules. When energy is added to this object, its molecules speed up causing an increase in temperature. Cool objects have less molecular motion. Thermal radiation is emitted from all objects that exist above absolute zero (-273° C).
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The Power of Infrared
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Since its discovery over 200 years ago, infrared has literally cast our universe in a new light. Although it has always been there, our previous inability to “see” it using our eyes that are not sensitive enough to detect it, has hidden some of the insights and capabilities that technological innovators today are using, developing and continually researching to reveal more about the nature of heat in the universe, on earth and even in our own bodies. From medical research, enhanced soil sampling techniques, advances in spectrography that have given astronomers the capacity to see further into our universe, progressive fire fighting techniques and prevention that have saved countless lives, and many more areas have all benefited greatly from the continued advance of infrared technology.
Barak Systems is dedicated to the support and continued research of Infrared Technologies that can advance industry and business for the benefit of all.
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: : Of Interest
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: : Articles
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