Uses for Infrared Light

Warm spots on a house, revealed by an infrared camera, can indicate poor thermal insulation.
••• Suljo/iStock/Getty Images

Infrared light is a scientific breakthrough that has led to advancements in many fields and applications. Infrared is a type of light whose waves are invisible to human eyes, although electronic devices can detect and glean meaningful information from them. Read on for some common uses of infrared technology.

Night Vision

Infrared can be used to amplify light in a low-light situation to enable video recording and image capturing.

Thermography

Thermography uses infrared technology to determine the relative temperature of objects by detecting the amount of radiation they are producing.

Tracking Technology

Infrared can be used in tracking technology; objects, commonly missiles, can be sent to follow a target based on their infrared radiation.

Meteorology

Weather satellites use infrared technology to determine water temperature and cloud formations.

Art History

Infrared lights can be used to look under layers of painting to determine if there are older layers underneath.

Heating

Infrared can also be used to create and conduct heat. Infrared saunas have become popular in the physical therapy field.

Related Articles

Types of Goniometers
Thermography Advantages & Disadvantages
How Does a Spectrometer Work?
What Animals Have a Tapetum Lucidum?
What Are Infrared Heaters?
What Astronomical Instrument Measures the Brightness...
How Can Astronomers Tell What a Distant Object's Temperature...
Importance of Sound Waves
Ideas for Science Fair Projects with Light
What Are the Colors of Neon?
Advantages & Disadvantages of Convex Mirrors
Types of Meteorology
What Do Stars Look Like?
Operating Principles of Pyrometers
Types of Earth Science
Facts About the Chromosphere of the Sun
How to Use a Temperature Laser Gun
Types of Light Sensors
Types of Optical Sensors
How Do LED Lights Work?