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Optical Radiation > Infrared Radiation (IR)
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Basic Principles
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Infrared radiation (IR radiation) - also referred to as thermal radiation - is part of the optical radiation spectrum, i.e. the electromagnetic spectrum. It follows the visible radiation in the direction of longer wavelengths ranging from 780 nm to 1 mm. IR radiation is divided into the short wavelength IR-A radiation with a wavelength range from 780 to 1400 nm, the IR-B radiation (1400 to 3000 nm) and the long wavelength IR-C radiation (3000 nm to 1 mm). The most important natural source of IR radiation is the sun.
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Application of Infrared (IR) Radiation
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The sun is the major natural IR radiation source. The infrared share of the solar radiation reaching the ground is just below 50 %. Practical application of infrared radiation mainly occurs in contactless transformation of heat, e. g. in the drying and processing of materials or in the medical field and in spa installations. Other applications are infrared cameras, night vision devices, infrared remote controls and infrared ports for computers.
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Effects of infrared (IR) Radiation
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Compared to microwaves the absorption of IR radiation is much stronger at the body surface. Organs situated deeper in the body are primarily heated by thermal conduction. Eye and skin are therefore the first organs affected by IR irradiation. High thermal stress due to long lasting intensive IR radiation can also result in an imbalance of the thermal efficiency of the whole organism.
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