Discovery of the Topic
Infrared (IR) light is part of the electromagnetic spectrum that extends beyond human visibility. Scientific research centered around this phenomenon helps to determine its capabilities and characteristics to develop possible applications. The discovery of this topic occurred in 1800 by William Herschel when he conducted experiments related to sunlight (Chimenti, 2020).
In his experiment, sunlight was separated using a prism. This made it possible to see the different components that are made up of various colors. At the same time, using a thermometer behind a visible red light made it possible to find out that the temperature had increased significantly. Thus, the scientist discovered what would later be called infrared light (Chimenti, 2020). This discovery significantly influenced the scientific community by opening up a new field of electromagnetism.
Initial Applications of the Topic
The discovery made by Herschel did not immediately enjoy success and popularity among scientists. This was due to a poor understanding of exactly how infrared light could be used for human benefit. Therefore, the practical application of this discovery occurred at the end of the 19th century in thermography (Sizov, 2019).
Then, the idea came up to use IR to measure how the temperature of objects changes. This has become quite useful in engineering as it has helped identify temperature anomalies that, if left unattended, could lead to breakdowns and more severe problems. This is applied in the industry to ensure quality control in production.
Later, during World War II, IR technology began to be used for military purposes to provide more effective vision and surveillance devices (Wang et al., 2019). In this way, the technology was able to have a significant impact on how industry began to conduct quality control and how soldiers could perform missions.
Development of the Topic
The open topic began to develop more and more over time to expand the use of infrared light. In the mid-20th century, this became possible as auxiliary technologies appeared that made the improvement of infrared more effective (Łabuz et al., 2020). Solid-state detectors and improved imaging systems have enabled more valuable innovations. Thus, the concept of Infrared spectroscopy appeared in chemistry, which allowed scientists to determine chemical elements without conducting numerous tests but relying on the radiation of the infrared spectrum that comes from each element. In addition, in the future, this will make it possible to observe space objects that cannot be viewed otherwise due to obstacles or fog.
Current Applications of the Topic
Thermography
Current applications of infrared light vary greatly depending on the chosen direction and specific areas of science or industry. Technologies have undergone significant development, which has dramatically expanded the possibilities for using this invention. The most common applications of this discovery are thermography and thermal imaging, which provide visualization of temperature changes and make it possible to detect objects hidden in the dark or other conditions (Playà‐Montmany & Tattersall, 2021). This vision can be applied to building inspection, electrical maintenance, industrial processes, and engineering fields. Finding out the source of heat is an important aspect that changes the complexity and helps optimize production processes.
Medical
One of the critical areas of application has become medical imaging. Infrared light allows the detection of tumors and blood flow, as temperature differences can reveal significant abnormalities. Tissue perfusion monitoring is also another area related to medicine that has seen considerable development thanks to IR (Łabuz et al., 2020). Wounds can be observed by nurses using infrared light to identify any contamination more effectively. The detection of vascular disorders is of particular importance if it is checked in a timely manner, which is also possible thanks to infrared light.
Military
In the military field, infrared is used for night vision devices as they are aimed at detecting differences in temperature with the environment and can identify a person. Thus, cameras on glasses can capture images in conditions of complete lack of visibility (Wang et al., 2019).
Monitoring
It is also used for wildlife monitoring or surveillance cameras. Environmental monitoring, which is inherent in environmental studies, measures temperature fluctuations and can provide valuable data regarding natural conditions. Satellite images using this technology allow meteorologists to predict what the weather may be like in certain regions.
Potential Future and Developing Applications
Diagnostics
In the future, the use of infrared light may be significantly expanded due to technological developments. For example, this could be aimed at early detection of diseases such as diabetes or cancer. This can be adjusted by more accurately detecting temperature fluctuations in tissue (Sizov, 2019).
Thus, for treatment, it will also be possible to select a non-invasive method that can address the problem effectively. Wearable IR sensors are an essential technology that may become more developed in the future, allowing the use of such devices to monitor patients’ conditions continuously. This will speed up the response to decreased vital signs.
Autopilot
Another area of application for IR sensors is autopilot functions in cars. This technology is currently being developed, and it will be able to identify road obstacles in the future more accurately. The development of the autopilot field is possible due to the combination of sensor detection of people, animals, and buildings, as well as reading weather conditions to take into account poor visibility (Chandran et al., 2023). Reading heat signatures is an integral process in this technology, which can increase the safety of passengers by warning of potential danger.
References
Chandran, N. K., Sultan, M. T. H., Łukaszewicz, A., Shahar, F. S., Holovatyy, A., & Giernacki, W. (2023). Review on type of sensors and detection method of anti-collision system of unmanned aerial vehicle. Sensors, 23(15), 6810. Web.
Chimenti, R. V. (2020). The new technologies shaping near-infrared spectroscopy. Photonics Spectra, 54, 56-60. Web.
Łabuz, G., Rayamajhi, A., Usinger, J., Komar, K., Merz, P., Khoramnia, R., Palczewska, G., Palczewski, K. & Auffarth, G. U. (2020). Clinical application of infrared-light microperimetry in the assessment of scotopic-eye sensitivity. Translational Vision Science & Technology, 9(8), 7-7. Web.
Playà‐Montmany, N., & Tattersall, G. J. (2021). Spot size, distance and emissivity errors in field applications of infrared thermography. Methods in Ecology and Evolution, 12(5), 828-840. Web.
Sizov, F. F. (2019). Brief history of THz and IR technologies. Semiconductor Physics, Quantum Electronics & Optoelectronics, 22(1), 67-79. Web.
Wang, P., Xia, H., Li, Q., Wang, F., Zhang, L., Li, T., Martyniuk, P., Rogalski, A. & Hu, W. (2019). Sensing infrared photons at room temperature: from bulk materials to atomic layers. Small, 15(46). Web.
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