Researchers anticipate exciting new applications and scientific leaps forward in the fields of medicine, astronomy, security, and even gaming and photography, thanks to a groundbreaking new camera technology that enables them to observe aspects of the electromagnetic spectrum that conventional cameras are unable to process.

The technology makes it feasible to image gases and substances such as carbon and hydrogen as well as biological compounds, each of which possesses an individual color in the infrared spectrum.

The part of the electromagnetic spectrum that humans can perceive is pretty limited compared to its full extend. Beyond visible light, we find wavelengths frequencies like ultra-violet, X-rays, and Gamma-rays on the short-range wavelength side of the spectrum. Looking at the long-wave side, we find infrared waves, microwaves, and radio waves.

The human eye can only see a minuscule portion of the entire electromagnetic spectrum, aptly illustrated in the image above - Image Credit: MicroOne / Edited for size by Universal-Sci

New research published in the science journal Laser & Photonics Reviews focuses on the so-called mid-infrared range. Dr. Mrejen, one of the researchers, explains that there is an incredible amount of information on materials encoded as 'colors' in each of the different segments of the electromagnetic spectrum that has, until now, been concealed from pertinent observation.

In a TAU press release, the team responsible for the recently published paper explained that colors in these parts of the spectrum are of significant importance since many materials have a unique signature expressed as a color, especially in the before mentioned mid-infrared range. Cancer cells, for example, are be easily identified as they have a higher concentration of molecules of a particular type that can be detected using the right equipment and technology.

You might ask yourself a reasonable question: aren't there infrared cameras available on the market already? This is true, but existing infrared detection technologies are expensive and mostly unable to render the "colors." needed for accurate detection. Medical imaging experiments have been performed in which infrared images are converted into visible light to identify the cancer cells by the molecules. To date, this conversion required very complicated and expensive cameras, which were not necessarily available for general use.

Nonetheless, in their research, the research team was capable of developing affordable and, above all, efficient technology that should mount on a standard camera permitting, for the first time ever, the conversion of photons of light from the entire mid-infrared region to the visible region, at frequencies that the human eye and the standard camera can pick up!

Image Credit: air009 via Shutterstock / HDR tune by Universal-Sci

Additionally, professor Zuchowski explains that people can perceive colors between red and blue. If we could see in the infrared realm, we would perceive components like carbon, sodium, and hydrogen have a distinctive color, which means that an environmental monitoring satellite would be capable of observing pollutants being emitted from a plant. One can also think of something akin to a reconnaissance satellite capable of detecting hidden uranium explosive. On top of that, since nearly all objects radiate heat in the infrared spectrum, all this information would even be detectable at night time.

The new technology is still in its infancy; the research team has received a grant to further develop its innovative concept. We are most excited about the medical potential of this developing technology; every step supporting the fight to eliminate horrible crippling diseases from the face of the earth is progress in our view.

We will keep you posted on these and other developments in the world of technology and health science. In the meantime, if you wish to check out a more detailed breakdown of the research discussed in this news article, be sure to check out the Laser & Photonics Reviews journal article link listed below.

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(Banner Image Credit: Lucas Vieira via Wikimedia Commons)