Using infrared rays to capture images

The range of electromagnetic spectrum starts from infinity to the minutest lengths. Every element is characterized depending upon the spectrum it emits when excited. Scientists like William Herschel and Johann Reiter started finding out rays of light which were visible in atmosphere but missing to our eyes. This gave birth to the concept of the collection of invisible rays termed as electromagnetic rays. The spectrum associated with it was termed as electromagnetic spectrum.

Infrared concept came to light when a scientist working with colors and temperature happen to found a region beyond red. It seemed abnormal and revealed several characteristics. This was later termed as infrared. The spectrum is quite powerful and used in a number of applications like night vision goggles, thermography etc. The measurement of infrared rays emitted by a substance can help locate the element or compound which gives such a color. In fact, infrared rays are quite helpful in quantitative analysis too. There are two ways to measure the amount of emission, monochromatic light or FTIR (Fourier transform Infrared spectrometer). The commonly used infrared spectrometer helps analyze substances but it is a very time consuming process. FTIR is easy to work with. This spectroscopy uses the principle of placing the sample for observation and allowing exposure to active infrared radiations. In case the frequency of the substance matches the infrared emitted, the frequency is recorded and the element is classified as per the records.  The frequency of every element is different from others, previously noted through a series of experiments and records.  Here, you need to record the noted frequency from the infrared spectrophotometer and make a comparison with the existing records. The target element is the element with which the frequency matches. This leads to the successful completion of quantitative analysis using infrared.

There are practically infinite applications apart from the ones stated above. One of the most important involves detecting crime through elemental analysis of compounds and traces present at the crime spots. Recently, army has used thermography technique to attack terrorists in the dark and finish the operation without any hassles. The thermograph contains the image of people and other living organisms present in a particular area achieved with the heat emitted from their body. Wearing that kind of goggle would help you move unnoticed as you can see what others are unable to. Infrared works in such a manner giving the results as desired.