What is the difference between red laser and infrared laser?

Difference Between Red Laser and Infrared Laser

The primary difference between red and infrared lasers lies in their wavelengths, which directly influences their visibility to the human eye, their applications, and how they interact with materials. Below, we delve into these differences in detail.

Wavelength and Visibility

Red Laser: Typically operates in the range of 630 to 700 nanometers (nm). This wavelength is within the visible spectrum, making red lasers easily seen by the human eye under most conditions.

Infrared Laser: Wavelengths are longer, usually starting from 700 nm and extending into the micrometer range. These wavelengths are outside the visible spectrum, rendering infrared lasers invisible to the naked eye.

Applications

Red Laser: Due to their visibility, red lasers are commonly used in pointers, barcode scanners, and alignment tools. They are also used in medical procedures, such as photobiomodulation therapy, where visibility is crucial for precision.

Infrared Laser: Infrared lasers find applications in areas where invisibility or deeper penetration into materials is required. This includes fiber optic communications, remote controls, and certain medical applications like laser surgery and deep tissue therapy.

Interaction with Materials

Red Laser: Red lasers are more readily absorbed by materials, making them suitable for applications that require superficial interaction, such as cutting thin materials or skin treatments.

Infrared Laser: The longer wavelengths of infrared lasers allow for deeper penetration into materials, making them ideal for applications requiring depth, such as cutting through thicker materials or reaching deeper tissues in medical treatments.

Safety Considerations

Despite their invisibility, infrared lasers can pose a greater risk to the eyes than visible lasers, as the blink reflex is not triggered by invisible light. This necessitates stringent safety measures when handling infrared lasers.