The wavelength of infrared rays is equal. infrared waves

In various spheres of life, a person uses infrared rays. The benefits and harms of radiation depend on the wavelength and time of exposure.

In everyday life, a person is constantly exposed to infrared radiation (IR radiation). Its natural source is the sun. Artificial include electric heating elements and incandescent lamps, any heated or red-hot bodies. This type of radiation is used in heaters, heating systems, night vision devices, remote controls. The principle of operation of medical equipment for physiotherapy is based on infrared radiation. What are infrared rays? What are the benefits and harms of this type of radiation?

What is IR radiation

IR radiation is electromagnetic radiation, a form of energy that heats objects and is adjacent to the red spectrum of visible light. The human eye does not see in this spectrum, but we feel this energy as heat. In other words, people perceive infrared radiation from heated objects with their skin as a sensation of warmth.

Infrared rays are short-wave, medium-wave and long-wave. The wavelengths emitted by a heated object depend on the heating temperature. The higher it is, the shorter the wavelength and the more intense the radiation.

For the first time, the biological effect of this type of radiation was studied on the example of cell cultures, plants, and animals. It was found that under the influence of IR rays, the development of microflora is suppressed, metabolic processes are improved due to the activation of blood flow. It has been proven that this radiation improves blood circulation and has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. It is noted that under the influence of infrared radiation, patients after surgery are easier to tolerate postoperative pain, and their wounds heal faster. It has been established that infrared radiation enhances nonspecific immunity, which reduces the effect of pesticides and gamma radiation, and also accelerates the process of recovery from influenza. IR rays stimulate the excretion of cholesterol, toxins, toxins and other harmful substances from the body through sweat and urine.

Benefits of infrared rays

Due to these properties, infrared radiation is widely used in medicine. But the use of infrared radiation with a wide spectrum of action can lead to overheating of the body and reddening of the skin. At the same time, long-wave radiation does not have a negative effect, therefore, long-wave devices or emitters with a selective wavelength are more common in everyday life and medicine.

Exposure to long-wave infrared rays contributes to the following processes in the body:

  • Normalization of blood pressure by stimulating blood circulation
  • Improvement of cerebral circulation and memory
  • Cleansing the body of toxins, salts of heavy metals
  • Normalization of hormonal levels
  • Stopping the spread of harmful germs and fungi
  • Restoration of water-salt balance
  • Pain relief and anti-inflammatory effect
  • Strengthening the immune system.

The therapeutic effect of infrared rays can be used for the following diseases and conditions:

  • bronchial asthma and exacerbation of chronic bronchitis
  • focal pneumonia in resolution stage
  • chronic gastroduodenitis
  • hypermotor dyskinesia of the digestive system
  • chronic acalculous cholecystitis
  • osteochondrosis of the spine with neurological manifestations
  • rheumatoid arthritis in remission
  • exacerbation of deforming osteoarthritis of the hip and knee joints
  • obliterating atherosclerosis of the vessels of the legs, neuropathy of the peripheral nerves of the legs
  • exacerbation of chronic cystitis
  • urolithiasis disease
  • exacerbation of chronic prostatitis with impaired potency
  • infectious, alcoholic, diabetic polyneuropathy of the legs
  • chronic adnexitis and ovarian dysfunction
  • withdrawal syndrome

Heating with infrared radiation helps to strengthen the immune system, inhibits the growth of bacteria in the environment and in the human body, improves skin condition by increasing blood circulation in it. Air ionization is the prevention of exacerbations of allergies.

When infrared radiation can harm

First of all, you need to take into account the existing contraindications before using infrared rays for medicinal purposes. Harm from their use can be in the following cases:

  • Acute purulent diseases
  • Bleeding
  • Acute inflammatory diseases leading to decompensation of organs and systems
  • Systemic blood diseases
  • Malignant neoplasms

In addition, excessive exposure to broad-spectrum infrared rays causes severe reddening of the skin and may cause burns. There are known cases of the appearance of a tumor on the face of metallurgical workers as a result of prolonged exposure to this type of radiation. There have also been cases of dermatitis and heatstroke.

Infra-red rays, especially in the range of 0.76 - 1.5 microns (shortwave region) are dangerous to the eyes. Prolonged and prolonged exposure to radiation is fraught with the development of cataracts, photophobia and other visual impairments. For this reason, it is undesirable to be exposed to short-wave heaters for a long time. The closer a person is to such a heater, the less time he spends near this device should be. It should be noted that this type of heater is designed for street or local heating. Long-wave IR heaters are used for heating residential and industrial premises intended for long-term stay of people.

Infrared radiation is electromagnetic radiation that is on the border with the red spectrum of visible light. The human eye is not able to see this spectrum, but we feel it with our skin as heat. When exposed to infrared rays, objects heat up. The shorter the infrared wavelength, the stronger the thermal effect will be.

According to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), infrared radiation is divided into three ranges: near, medium and far. In medicine, Pulsed Infrared LED Therapy (LEDT) uses only near-infrared as it does not scatter on the surface of the skin and penetrates into subcutaneous structures.



The spectrum of near infrared radiation is limited from 740 to 1400 nm, but with increasing wavelength, the ability of the rays to penetrate into tissues decreases due to the absorption of photons by water. RIKTA devices use infrared diodes with a wavelength in the range of 860-960 nm and an average power of 60 mW (+/- 30).

The radiation of infrared rays is not as deep as laser, but it has a wider range of effects. Phototherapy has been shown to accelerate wound healing, reduce inflammation and relieve pain by acting on subcutaneous tissues and promoting cell proliferation and adhesion in tissues.

LEDT intensively contributes to the heating of the tissue of surface structures, improves microcirculation, stimulates cell regeneration, helps to reduce the inflammatory process and restore the epithelium.

EFFICIENCY OF INFRARED RADIATION IN HUMAN TREATMENT

LEDT is used as an addition to the low-intensity laser therapy of RIKTA devices and has therapeutic and preventive effects.

The impact of the infrared radiation device helps to accelerate metabolic processes in cells, activates regenerative mechanisms and improves blood circulation. The action of infrared radiation is complex and has the following effects on the body:

    increase in the diameter of blood vessels and improve blood circulation;

    activation of cellular immunity;

    removal of tissue swelling and inflammation;

    relief of pain syndromes;

    improved metabolism;

    removal of emotional stress;

    restoration of water-salt balance;

    normalization of hormonal levels.

Influencing the skin, infrared rays irritate the receptors, transmitting a signal to the brain. The central nervous system reflexively responds, stimulating the overall metabolism and increasing overall immunity.

The hormonal response contributes to the expansion of the lumen of microcirculatory growth vessels, improving blood flow. This leads to the normalization of blood pressure, better oxygen transport to organs and tissues.

SAFETY

Despite the benefits provided by pulsed infrared LED therapy, exposure to infrared radiation should be dosed. Uncontrolled exposure to radiation can lead to burns, reddening of the skin, overheating of tissues.

The number and duration of procedures, the frequency and area of ​​infrared radiation, as well as other features of the treatment should be prescribed by a specialist.

APPLICATION OF INFRARED RADIATION

LEDT therapy has shown high efficiency in the treatment of various diseases: pneumonia, influenza, tonsillitis, bronchial asthma, vasculitis, bedsores, varicose veins, heart disease, frostbite and burns, some forms of dermatitis, diseases of the peripheral nervous system and malignant neoplasms of the skin.

Infrared radiation, along with electromagnetic and laser radiation, has a restorative effect and helps in the treatment and prevention of many diseases. The device "Rikta" combines radiation of a multicomponent type and allows you to achieve the maximum effect in a short time. You can buy an infrared radiation device at.

Infrared radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation that borders on the red part of the visible light spectrum on one side and microwaves on the other. Wavelength - from 0.74 to 1000-2000 micrometers. Infrared waves are also called "thermal". Based on the wavelength, they are classified into three groups:

shortwave (0.74-2.5 micrometers);

medium wave (longer than 2.5, shorter than 50 micrometers);

longwave (more than 50 micrometers).

Sources of infrared radiation

On our planet, infrared radiation is by no means uncommon. Almost any heat is the effect of exposure to infrared rays. It doesn't matter what it is: sunlight, the heat of our bodies, or the heat coming from heating appliances.

The infrared part of the electromagnetic radiation does not heat the space, but directly the object itself. It is on this principle that the work of infrared lamps is built. And the Sun heats the Earth in the same way.

Impact on living organisms

At the moment, science does not know the confirmed facts of the negative impact of infrared rays on the human body. Unless due to too intense radiation, the mucous membrane of the eyes can be damaged.

But we can talk about the benefits for a very long time. Back in 1996, scientists from the US, Japan and Holland confirmed a number of positive medical facts. Thermal Radiation:

destroys some types of hepatitis virus;

inhibits and slows down the growth of cancer cells;

has the ability to neutralize harmful electromagnetic fields and radiation. Including radioactive;

helps diabetics produce insulin;

can help with dystrophy;

improving the condition of the body with psoriasis.

Under the state of health improves, the internal organs begin to work more efficiently. Muscle nutrition is increased, the strength of the immune system is greatly increased. It is a well-known fact that in the absence of infrared radiation, the body ages noticeably faster.

Infrared rays are also called "rays of life". It was under their influence that life was born.

The use of infrared rays in human life

Infrared light is used no less widely than it is common. Perhaps it will be very difficult to find at least one area of ​​the national economy where the infrared part of electromagnetic waves has not found application. We list the most famous areas of application:

warfare. The homing of missile warheads or night vision devices are all the result of the use of infrared radiation;

thermography is widely used in science to determine the overheated or supercooled parts of the object under study. Infrared images are also widely used in astronomy, along with other types of electromagnetic waves;

household heaters. Unlike convectors, such devices use radiant energy to heat all objects in the room. And already further, interior items give off heat to the surrounding air;

data transmission and remote control. Yes, all remotes for TVs, tape recorders and air conditioners use infrared rays;

disinfection in the food industry

the medicine. Treatment and prevention of many different types of diseases.

Infrared rays are a relatively small part of electromagnetic radiation. Being a natural way of heat transfer, not a single life process on our planet can do without it.

INFRARED RADIATION (IR radiation, IR rays), electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths λ from about 0.74 microns to about 1-2 mm, that is, radiation occupying the spectral region between the red end of visible radiation and shortwave (submillimeter) radio radiation. Infrared radiation refers to optical radiation, but unlike visible radiation, it is not perceived by the human eye. Interacting with the surface of bodies, it heats them up, so it is often called thermal radiation. Conventionally, the region of infrared radiation is divided into near (λ = 0.74-2.5 microns), middle (2.5-50 microns) and far (50-2000 microns). Infrared radiation was discovered by W. Herschel (1800) and independently by W. Wollaston (1802).

Infrared spectra can be line (atomic spectra), continuous (condensed matter spectra) or striped (molecular spectra). Optical properties (transmission, reflection, refraction, etc.) of substances in infrared radiation, as a rule, differ significantly from the corresponding properties in visible or ultraviolet radiation. Many substances that are transparent to visible light are opaque to infrared radiation of certain wavelengths, and vice versa. Thus, a layer of water several centimeters thick is opaque to infrared radiation with λ > 1 µm, so water is often used as a heat-shielding filter. Plates of Ge and Si, opaque to visible radiation, are transparent to infrared radiation of certain wavelengths, black paper is transparent in the far infrared region (such substances are used as light filters when infrared radiation is isolated).

The reflectivity of most metals in infrared radiation is much higher than in visible radiation, and increases with increasing wavelength (see Metal Optics). Thus, the reflection of Al, Au, Ag, Cu surfaces of infrared radiation with λ = 10 μm reaches 98%. Liquid and solid non-metallic substances have a selective (depending on the wavelength) reflection of infrared radiation, the position of the maxima of which depends on their chemical composition.

Passing through the earth's atmosphere, infrared radiation is attenuated due to scattering and absorption by air atoms and molecules. Nitrogen and oxygen do not absorb infrared radiation and weaken it only as a result of scattering, which is much less for infrared radiation than for visible light. Molecules H 2 O, O 2 , O 3 , etc., present in the atmosphere, selectively (selectively) absorb infrared radiation, and the infrared radiation of water vapor is especially strongly absorbed. H 2 O absorption bands are observed in the entire IR region of the spectrum, and CO 2 bands - in its middle part. In the surface layers of the atmosphere there are only a small number of "transparency windows" for infrared radiation. The presence in the atmosphere of particles of smoke, dust, small drops of water leads to an additional attenuation of infrared radiation as a result of its scattering on these particles. At small particle sizes, infrared radiation is scattered less than visible radiation, which is used in infrared photography.

Sources of infrared radiation. A powerful natural source of infrared radiation is the Sun, about 50% of its radiation lies in the infrared region. Infrared radiation accounts for 70 to 80% of the radiation energy of incandescent lamps; it is emitted by an electric arc and various gas-discharge lamps, all types of electric space heaters. In scientific research, the sources of infrared radiation are tungsten tape lamps, a Nernst pin, a globe, high-pressure mercury lamps, etc. The radiation of some types of lasers also lies in the IR region of the spectrum (for example, the wavelength of neodymium glass lasers is 1.06 μm, helium-neon lasers - 1.15 and 3.39 microns, CO 2 lasers - 10.6 microns).

Receivers of infrared radiation are based on the conversion of radiation energy into other types of energy available for measurement. In thermal receivers, the absorbed infrared radiation causes an increase in the temperature of the temperature-sensitive element, which is recorded. In photoelectric receivers, the absorption of infrared radiation leads to the appearance or change in the strength of an electric current or voltage. Photoelectric receivers (unlike thermal ones) are selective, that is, they are sensitive only to radiation from a certain region of the spectrum. Photo registration of infrared radiation is carried out with the help of special photographic emulsions, however, they are sensitive to it only for wavelengths up to 1.2 microns.

The use of infrared radiation. IR radiation is widely used in scientific research and for solving various practical problems. The emission and absorption spectra of molecules and solids lie in the IR region, they are studied in infrared spectroscopy, in structural problems, and are also used in qualitative and quantitative spectral analysis. In the far IR region lies the radiation that occurs during transitions between the Zeeman sublevels of atoms, the IR spectra of atoms make it possible to study the structure of their electron shells. Photographs of the same object taken in the visible and infrared ranges, due to the difference in the coefficients of reflection, transmission and scattering, can vary significantly; In IR photography, you can see details that are not visible in normal photography.

In industry, infrared radiation is used for drying and heating materials and products, in everyday life - for space heating. On the basis of photocathodes sensitive to infrared radiation, electron-optical converters have been created, in which the infrared image of an object, invisible to the eye, is converted into a visible one. On the basis of such converters, various night vision devices (binoculars, sights, etc.) are built, which make it possible to detect objects in complete darkness, to observe and aim, irradiating them with infrared radiation from special sources. With the help of highly sensitive infrared receivers, objects are located by their own infrared radiation and homing systems for projectiles and missiles are created. IR locators and IR rangefinders allow you to detect in the dark objects whose temperature is higher than the ambient temperature and measure the distance to them. The powerful radiation of infrared lasers is used in scientific research, as well as for terrestrial and space communications, for laser sounding of the atmosphere, etc. Infrared radiation is used to reproduce the meter standard.

Lit .: Schreiber G. Infrared rays in electronics. M., 2003; Tarasov VV, Yakushenkov Yu. G. Infrared systems of "looking" type. M., 2004.

In the invisible region of the electromagnetic spectrum, which begins behind visible red light and ends before microwave radiation between frequencies 10 12 and 5∙10 14 Hz (or is in the wavelength range 1-750 nm). The name comes from the Latin word infra and means "below red".

The use of infrared rays is varied. They are used to visualize objects in the dark or in smoke, to heat saunas and to heat aircraft wings for de-icing, in close range communications and in spectroscopic analysis of organic compounds.

Opening

Infra-red rays were discovered in 1800 by German-born British musician and amateur astronomer William Herschel. Using a prism, he divided the sunlight into its constituent components and registered an increase in temperature beyond the red part of the spectrum using a thermometer.

IR radiation and heat

Infrared radiation is often referred to as thermal radiation. However, it should be noted that it is only its consequence. Heat is a measure of the translational energy (energy of motion) of the atoms and molecules of a substance. "Temperature" sensors do not actually measure heat, but only differences in the IR radiation of different objects.

Many teachers of physics traditionally attribute all the thermal radiation of the Sun to infrared rays. But it is not so. With visible sunlight comes 50% of all heat, and electromagnetic waves of any frequency with sufficient intensity can cause heating. However, it is fair to say that at room temperature, objects emit heat mainly in the mid-infrared band.

IR radiation is absorbed and emitted by the rotations and vibrations of chemically bonded atoms or groups of atoms, and hence by many kinds of materials. For example, window glass that is transparent to visible light absorbs infrared radiation. Infrared rays are largely absorbed by water and the atmosphere. Although invisible to the eye, they can be felt on the skin.

Earth as a source of infrared radiation

The surface of our planet and clouds absorb solar energy, most of which is released into the atmosphere in the form of infrared radiation. Certain substances in it, mainly water vapor and drops, as well as methane, carbon dioxide, nitric oxide, chlorofluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride, absorb in the infrared region of the spectrum and re-emit in all directions, including to the Earth. Therefore, due to the greenhouse effect, the earth's atmosphere and surface are much warmer than if there were no substances that absorb infrared rays in the air.

This radiation plays an important role in heat transfer and is an integral part of the so-called greenhouse effect. On a global scale, the influence of infrared rays extends to the radiation balance of the Earth and affects almost all biospheric activity. Almost every object on the surface of our planet emits electromagnetic radiation mainly in this part of the spectrum.

IR regions

The IR range is often divided into narrower sections of the spectrum. The German DIN Standards Institute has defined the following infrared wavelength ranges:

  • near (0.75-1.4 µm), commonly used in fiber optic communications;
  • shortwave (1.4-3 microns), starting from which the absorption of IR radiation by water increases significantly;
  • medium wave, also called intermediate (3-8 microns);
  • longwave (8-15 microns);
  • far (15-1000 microns).

However, this classification scheme is not universally used. For example, some studies indicate the following ranges: near (0.75-5 microns), medium (5-30 microns) and long (30-1000 microns). Wavelengths used in telecommunications are subdivided into separate bands due to the limitations of detectors, amplifiers, and sources.

The general notation is justified by human reactions to infrared rays. The near infrared region is closest to the wavelength visible to the human eye. Middle and far infrared radiation gradually move away from the visible part of the spectrum. Other definitions follow different physical mechanisms (such as emission peaks and water absorption), and the newest ones are based on the sensitivity of the detectors used. For example, conventional silicon sensors are sensitive in the region of about 1050 nm, and indium-gallium arsenide - in the range from 950 nm to 1700 and 2200 nm.

A clear boundary between infrared and visible light is not defined. The human eye is significantly less sensitive to red light in excess of 700 nm, however intense (laser) light can be seen up to about 780 nm. The beginning of the IR range is defined differently in different standards - somewhere between these values. Usually it is 750 nm. Therefore, visible infrared rays are possible in the range of 750-780 nm.

Designations in communication systems

Optical communication in the near infrared region is technically divided into a number of frequency bands. This is due to various absorbing and transmitting materials (fibers) and detectors. These include:

  • O-band 1.260-1.360 nm.
  • E-band 1.360-1.460 nm.
  • S-band 1.460-1.530 nm.
  • C-band 1.530-1.565 nm.
  • L-band 1.565-1.625 nm.
  • U-band 1.625-1.675 nm.

thermography

Thermography, or thermal imaging, is a type of infrared imaging of objects. Since all bodies radiate in the IR range, and the intensity of radiation increases with temperature, specialized cameras with IR sensors can be used to detect it and take pictures. In the case of very hot objects in the near infrared or visible region, this technique is called pyrometry.

Thermography is independent of visible light illumination. Therefore, it is possible to "see" the environment even in the dark. In particular, warm objects, including humans and warm-blooded animals, stand out well against a colder background. Infra-red photography of a landscape enhances the rendering of objects based on their heat output: blue skies and water appear almost black, while green foliage and skin appear bright.

Historically, thermography has been widely used by the military and security services. In addition, it finds many other uses. For example, firefighters use it to see through smoke, find people, and locate hot spots during a fire. Thermography can reveal abnormal tissue growth and defects in electronic systems and circuits due to their increased heat generation. Electricians maintaining power lines can detect overheating connections and parts, which indicate a malfunction, and eliminate potential hazards. When thermal insulation fails, construction professionals can see heat leaks and improve the efficiency of cooling or heating systems. In some high-end cars, thermal imagers are installed to assist the driver. Thermographic imaging can be used to monitor certain physiological responses in humans and warm-blooded animals.

The appearance and way of operation of a modern thermal camera do not differ from those of a conventional video camera. The ability to see in infrared is such a useful feature that the ability to record images is often optional and a recorder is not always available.

Other images

In IR photography, the near-infrared range is captured using special filters. Digital cameras tend to block IR radiation. However, cheap cameras that don't have proper filters are able to "see" in the near-IR range. In this case, normally invisible light appears bright white. This is especially noticeable when shooting near illuminated infrared objects (such as lamps), where the resulting noise makes the picture faded.

Also worth mentioning is T-beam imaging, which is imaging in the far terahertz range. The lack of bright sources makes these images technically more difficult than most other IR imaging techniques.

LEDs and lasers

Man-made sources of infrared radiation include, in addition to hot objects, LEDs and lasers. The former are small, inexpensive optoelectronic devices made from semiconductor materials such as gallium arsenide. They are used as opto-isolators and as light sources in some fiber optic communication systems. Powerful optically pumped IR lasers operate on the basis of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. They are used to initiate and modify chemical reactions and isotope separation. In addition, they are used in lidar systems for determining the distance to an object. Also sources of infrared radiation are used in rangefinders of automatic self-focusing cameras, burglar alarms and optical night vision devices.

IR receivers

IR detectors include thermosensitive devices such as thermocouple detectors, bolometers (some are cooled to near absolute zero to reduce noise from the detector itself), photovoltaic cells, and photoconductors. The latter are made of semiconductor materials (eg silicon and lead sulfide), the electrical conductivity of which increases when exposed to infrared rays.

Heating

Infra-red radiation is used for heating - for example, heating saunas and de-icing aircraft wings. In addition, it is increasingly being used to melt asphalt during the construction of new roads or the repair of damaged areas. IR radiation can be used in cooking and heating food.

Connection

IR wavelengths are used to transmit data over short distances, such as between computer peripherals and personal digital assistants. These devices usually comply with IrDA standards.

IR communication is typically used indoors in areas with high population density. This is the most common way to control devices remotely. The properties of infrared rays do not allow them to penetrate walls, and therefore they do not interact with appliances in neighboring rooms. In addition, IR lasers are used as light sources in fiber optic communication systems.

Spectroscopy

Infrared radiation spectroscopy is a technology used to determine the structures and compositions of (primarily) organic compounds by examining the transmission of infrared radiation through samples. It is based on the properties of substances to absorb certain of its frequencies, which depend on stretching and bending within the molecules of the sample.

The infrared absorption and emission characteristics of molecules and materials provide important information about the size, shape, and chemical bonding of molecules, atoms, and ions in solids. The energies of rotation and vibration are quantized in all systems. IR radiation of energy hν, emitted or absorbed by a given molecule or substance, is a measure of the difference of some internal energy states. They, in turn, are determined by atomic weight and molecular bonds. For this reason, infrared spectroscopy is a powerful tool for determining the internal structure of molecules and substances, or, when such information is already known and tabulated, their quantities. IR spectroscopy techniques are often used to determine the composition, and hence the provenance and age, of archaeological specimens, as well as to detect art forgeries and other items that, when viewed under visible light, resemble the originals.

The benefits and harms of infrared rays

Long-wave infrared radiation is used in medicine for the purpose of:

  • normalization of blood pressure by stimulating blood circulation;
  • cleansing the body of salts of heavy metals and toxins;
  • improve blood circulation of the brain and memory;
  • normalization of hormonal levels;
  • maintaining water-salt balance;
  • limiting the spread of fungi and microbes;
  • anesthesia;
  • relieve inflammation;
  • strengthening immunity.

At the same time, infrared radiation can be harmful in case of acute purulent diseases, bleeding, acute inflammation, blood diseases, and malignant tumors. Uncontrolled prolonged exposure leads to reddening of the skin, burns, dermatitis, heat stroke. Short-wave infrared rays are dangerous for the eyes - photophobia, cataracts, and visual impairment may develop. Therefore, only sources of long-wave radiation should be used for heating.

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