Infra -red radiation has many useful applications -

1. Infrared photographs taken from a satellite with special films provide

useful details of the vegetation on the Earth's surface.
2. Infrared scanners are used to show the temperature v'ariation of the
body. This can be used for medical diagnosis.
3. Infrared remote controls are used in TVs, video cassette recorders,
and other electronic appliances.
4. Infrared telescopes are used for seeing in the dark. •
5. Autofocus camera has a transmitter that sends out infrared pulses.
The pulses are reflected by the object to be photographed back to•
the camera. The distance of the object is calculated by the time lag
between the sending and receiving of pulses. The lens is then driven
by a built-in motor to adjust to get the correct focus of the object.

Infrared is also used in the following devices:

1. Augmentative communication devices

2. Car locking systems
3. Computers
a. Mous
b. Keyboards
c. Printers
4. Emergency response systems
5. Headphones
6. Home security systems
7. Navigation systems
8. Signages
9. Telephones
10. Some toys

Nowadays, infrared technology provides numerous advantages

especially in wireless communication. The following reasons explain why:

1. Low power requirements that makes it ideal for laptops, and other
• technological devices
2. Low circuitry costs
3. Simple circuitry: can be incorporated in the integrated circuit of a
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4. Higher security than radio waves since it require% line of si •ght „
transmission ;
5. Portable
6. Not likely to interfere to signals from other devices

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