What is IR wavelength in micrometers?

Infrared Wavelengths in Micrometers

Infrared (IR) radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than those of visible light but shorter than those of radio waves. The IR spectrum covers the range from approximately 700 nanometers (nm) to 1 millimeter (mm). When measured in micrometers (μm), this range extends from 0.7 μm to 1000 μm. Infrared is typically subdivided into several categories based on the wavelength:

Infrared Categories

Near-Infrared (NIR):

From about 0.7 μm to 1.4 μm. This part of the spectrum is closest to visible light and is used in a variety of applications, including fiber optic communications and remote controls.

Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR):

Ranges from 1.4 μm to 3 μm. SWIR can penetrate through fog and is used in certain types of imaging devices and sensors.

Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR):

Extends from 3 μm to 8 μm. This range is used for thermal imaging, as it is sensitive to the heat radiated by objects.

Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR):

Spans from 8 μm to 15 μm. LWIR is also used for thermal imaging and is the typical wavelength range for commercially available thermal cameras.

Far Infrared (FIR):

Covers from 15 μm to 1,000 μm (or 1 mm). Far infrared is mostly thermal radiation emitted by objects at room temperature, and it has applications in heating, astronomy, and meteorology.

Applications of Infrared Radiation

  • Thermal imaging and night-vision devices
  • Communication systems (fiber optics)
  • Remote sensing and astronomy
  • Heat-seeking missiles and warning systems
  • Spectroscopy and weather forecasting

Infrared radiation's ability to provide information about an object's heat and chemical composition, combined with its wide range of wavelengths, makes it highly useful in many technological and scientific applications.

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