What is the wavelength range of infrared radiation?

The wavelength range of infrared radiation encompasses a broader spectrum than many other types of electromagnetic radiation. Specifically, infrared radiation typically covers wavelengths from approximately 0.7 micrometers to 100 micrometers. This range includes near-infrared, mid-infrared, and far-infrared segments, which are essential in various applications, such as remote sensing, thermal imaging, and atmospheric studies.

The lower bound of the range starts just beyond the visible spectrum, around 0.7 micrometers, where light begins to become invisible to the human eye. The upper limit of 100 micrometers encompasses wavelengths that are essential for studying heat emissions from objects, as they often relate to thermal radiation. Understanding this wavelength range is critical in fields such as physics, astronomy, and environmental science, where infrared radiation plays a significant role in thermal energy transfer and remote sensing technologies.