Infrared technology is increasingly present in mainstream industrial applications. Before asking 'what is infrared technology?' - we need to clarify our understanding of infrared radiation. Visible 'light' accounts for a tiny amount of the radiation that exists around us, our eyes are only capable of seeing a narrow region of the electromagnetic spectrum, and we need specialist technology to see what lies beyond. Microwaves, radio waves, ultraviolet rays, and infrared are all forms of radiation that's invisible to us, but their presence is felt nevertheless, largely through radiated heat. We use protective cream for example, to protect us against the sun's harmful UV rays, and x-rays (a high energy, short wavelength radiation) are used extensively to penetrate our skin and reveal fractures in bone in a way that's not possible by visible light.
Infrared, or ir, signifying 'below red', is radiation like normal light, however with a somewhat longer wavelength. It has less energy than red light - which is the most reduced energy light the human eye can see. While visible light is discharged by items at a high temperature, infrared is transmitted by all objects at room temperature and below.
Dull and dark objects such as concrete and rubber, for example, will retain and emit more heat under identical conditions than reflective objects like steel. But generally, the hotter the object, the greater the amount of infrared energy is emitted. The human body emits a vast amount of heat that's difficult to perceive without specialist infrared technology.
Let's consider measuring this emitted heat…
By using sophisticated technology, we can detect emitted infrared energy. Taking the human body as an example, infrared thermal image cameras can detect our infrared heat signature in total darkness. You may have seen an image taken by a police helicopter camera of suspects on the run at night, showing the hottest areas as bright white, typically being car tyres, street lighting, or human skin. Thermal imaging systems not only let you see in the dark, but they also enhance your ability to detect excessive or inadequate temperatures of critical objects, assess energy loss and protect the environment, and evaluate building diagnostics. They are an invaluable, affordable tool for businesses specializing in transportation, construction, environmental monitoring, electrical installation, and security.
An alternative to the infrared thermal image camera is the infrared thermometer. These thermometers use sophisticated optics to measure radiated heat. Often being equipped with a laser, they are designed for instant non-contact temperature measurements of inaccessible, hygienic, or hard-to-reach flat surface areas, such as air conditioning systems, industrial machinery, automotive spot checks, and food preparation surfaces.
When it comes to using an infrared thermometer, most suppliers would have you believe it's simply a question of pointing the laser; pulling the trigger, and reading the temperature measurement. It's really not that simple to achieve an accurate measurement. Important factors to consider before measuring are laser spot-size, and the emissivity value of the surface being measured. The error in the accuracy of a measured value can be as much as 30% of the reading just based on emissivity.
Calibrating your instrument…
If you can choose the infrared technology best suited to your intended application, AND provide traceable instrument calibration to an auditor, you can always be assured of your measurement's credibility. If you're unsure of an instrument's suitability, always consult the help of a professional body.
Modern application of Infrared Technology
Over the years, infrared has come up with different new technologies that have gain its popularity. Since the upgradation, doctors too have benefited from it. Practitioners of medical disciplines now make use of this technology to detect the presence of cancer cells and keep them away from spreading. These are possible with the help of infrared cameras.
An infrared camera is also known as thermographic camera. It is a system that uses infrared radiation to form an image. It was earlier developed for military purpose. Today, this camera has become the preference not only of law enforcers and intelligence officers, but also of doctors and archaeologists. It's been regarded as a useful application in medical fields and is also considered to be a potentially successful in cancer screening.
Infrared (IR) radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation. This radiation is used to operate wireless TV headphones. The infrared signal emitted by pair of wireless TV headphones is a progression of on and off sequences of infrared light. With infrared wireless TV headphones one would get to listen to true stereo separation. This results in excellent sound quality.
An infrared sauna is driven by contemporary infrared technology. Infrared sauna is the latest technology in the sauna world and is brought into light. These saunas have heater called the radiator which radiates heat into our body, warms your skin with increase in temperature and makes you sweat. Continuous sweating helps in weight loss and is even considered good for beautification of skin.
These saunas come in different models, including small portable ones that you can keep in a tiny corner of a room, till large ones that will occupy a room by itself. And there are intermediate sizes. The small portable sauna is cheap and nice for one person, so cheap compared to its benefits that it is gradually becoming almost a household item in many parts of the USA, Canada and other countries. The bigger one - the far infrared sauna - retains the benefits, is more expensive, but can fit in anywhere from 1 to 5 persons depending upon the model you select. These are assets of ultimate luxury.
Using infrared saunas at disciplined frequencies helps strengthen your immunity system thereby improving the ability of your body to fight against diseases, fever and cough. The resistant power of body being improved because of the saunas, the strength and vigor of a person also increases.
