Infrared cameras detect energy primarily in which wavelength range?

Infrared cameras detect energy primarily in which wavelength range?

• A. Infrared (7.5-14 microns)
• B. Visible spectrum
• C. Ultraviolet
• D. Microwave

Answer: (A)

Infrared cameras detect energy in the infrared portion of the spectrum, especially in the longwave infrared range around 7.5 to 14 microns. At typical temperatures, objects emit most of their thermal radiation in this band, and cameras are designed with detectors optimized for these wavelengths. This range also aligns with atmospheric transmission windows, making it practical for seeing thermal differences through modest obstacles. The visible range (0.4–0.7 microns), ultraviolet (shorter wavelengths), and microwaves (much longer wavelengths) lie outside this infrared band, so they aren’t the primary wavelengths these cameras sense.

Infrared cameras detect energy in the infrared portion of the spectrum, especially in the longwave infrared range around 7.5 to 14 microns. At typical temperatures, objects emit most of their thermal radiation in this band, and cameras are designed with detectors optimized for these wavelengths. This range also aligns with atmospheric transmission windows, making it practical for seeing thermal differences through modest obstacles.

The visible range (0.4–0.7 microns), ultraviolet (shorter wavelengths), and microwaves (much longer wavelengths) lie outside this infrared band, so they aren’t the primary wavelengths these cameras sense.