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Infrared
Illuminator (simply IR) is a source of infrared light, which is
invisible to the human eye. It can be compared to a powerful flashlight
that emits infrared light
instead of a visible white/yellow light. As an accessory to your night
vision device, it is used to increase available light for a brighter
image. All night vision devices
need some available light to work, even if that light is extremely
limited. Infrared light is very helpful in creating a brighter image
when using night vision. With an IR
Illuminator attached to your night
vision unit, it is possible to see a bright, clear image in low
light or no light conditions. Such Infrared
Illuminators are standard on many night
vision devices.
Infrared radiation is electro magnetic radiation of wavelength longer than that of visible light, but shorter than that of microwave radiation. The name means "below red," red being the color of visible light of longest wavelength. Infrared radiation spans three orders of magnitude and has wavelength between approximately 750nm and 1mm.
Infrared is used in night vision equipment, when there is insufficient visible light to see an object. The radiation is detected and turned into an image on a screen, hotter objects showing up brighter, enabling the police and military to acquire thermally significant targets, such as human beings and automobiles. For example, smoke is more transparent to infrared than visible light, so firefighters use infrared imaging equipment when working in smoke-filled areas.
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