near-infrared radiation

[neer-in-fruh-red rey-dee-ey-shuhn]

noun

1. the shorter wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation in the infrared region of the spectrum, extending from about 0.75 to 2.5 micrometers, usually radiation reflected from plant materials.

Word History and Origins

Origin of near-infrared radiation¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

Four hours later, they applied near-infrared radiation to the mice to activate the photo-oxidants to attack the cancer cells.

Read more on Science Daily

“Water vapor is a good absorber of the near-infrared radiation, behaves as a greenhouse gas, and warms the planet,” Kopparapu says.

Read more on National Geographic

Longer-wavelength near-infrared radiation can penetrate up to three centimetres — a much better depth for uses such as releasing drugs.

Read more on Nature

It could also find use in advanced biomedical imaging "because near-infrared radiation penetrates through tissue better than other wavelengths," Salguero said.

Read more on Scientific American