near-infrared

Near-infrared (NIR) refers to a type of light with wavelengths slightly longer than visible red light, typically between 700 and 2500 nanometers. It’s invisible to the human eye but can be detected using specialized sensors. NIR is commonly used in many applications, including medical imaging, remote sensing, and night-vision devices, because it can penetrate materials like skin, fabric, and some foods. Unlike visible light, near-infrared light provides information about the composition and structure of objects, making it useful for analysis, imaging, and communication purposes.