Infrared light is a type of electromagnetic radiation located in the light spectrum invisible to the human eye. This radiation has longer wavelengths than visible light and lies between the visible spectrum and microwaves.
Infrared radiation is produced in all forms of heat and is responsible for the sensation of warmth we experience when we approach a heat source such as the sun, a stove or a hot body. This radiation is used in different applications, such as in medicine for heat treatments, in industry for drying materials, etc.
It is usually classified mainly into three types: near, medium and far wave, depending on its wavelength. Each type has different applications and properties, but in general, infrared radiation is essential for life on Earth and has multiple uses in different areas.
Infrared heat is produced when a body emits electromagnetic radiation in the form of photons with a wavelength between 700 nm and 1 mm. This type of radiation is invisible to the human eye but can be perceived as heat by the skin. It is produced naturally on Earth through solar radiation, the radiation emitted by hot bodies such as animals and plants, and can also be produced artificially by devices such as ir lamps, stoves or thermal emitters.
Infrared heat works by emitting low-frequency electromagnetic radiation that heats objects directly instead of heating the air.
IR heating systems use heating elements, such as lamps or panels, that emit infrared radiation that is absorbed by objects.
Infrared heat is a more efficient way to heat a space or surface compared to conventional heating systems, as it avoids heat losses associated with the circulation of hot air and is uniform across all directly irradiated surfaces.
Common infrared classification
Near infrared: It has a wavelength that ranges approximately from 780 nanometers and 1 millimeter wavelength. They are often used for spectroscopy, night vision, etc.
Short wave: It has a wavelength ranging from 1.4 to 3 micrometers. Short waves are commonly used in heating and drying applications, security systems, IR communications and heat therapy.
Medium wave: It has a wavelength from 3 to 8 μm and is used in a wide range of applications such as temperature detection and control, security and surveillance, industrial thermography, inspection and monitoring of industrial processes…
Long wave: Found in the wavelength range of approximately 8 to 15 μm and used in heating applications in industry and in outdoor space heating.
Far infrared: covers wavelengths generally from approximately 15 μm to 1 mm. This form of ir light is used in medical therapy applications and long-distance wireless communication.
At UVINFRA we manufacture all types of custom infrared equipment, and we supply lamps and emitters for all brands on the market.
