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Optical Radiation

UV Radiation - Sun - Solaria - Infrared Radiation - Laser

Optische Strahlung
Elektromagnetisches Spektrum

What is infrared radiation?

Infrared radiation (IR radiation) - also referred to as thermal radiation - is part of the electromagnetic spectrum. It follows the visible radiation in the direction of longer wavelengths ranging from 780 nanometres to 1 millimetre.

Effects

High heat loads can interfere with the temperature balance of the body, can cause tissue damage or accelerate skin aging. Chronic exposure to heat can contribute to lens opacities (e.g. glass blowers cataract).

Infrared radiation in technology

Sun and fire are natural IR radiation sources. The radiation of fire mainly consists of infrared radiation causing the heat effects, visible light is insignificant. Practical application of infrared radiation mainly occurs in contactless transformation of heat, for example in the drying and processing of materials.

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