How can I see Infra-Red and Ultra Violet waves?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around methods for observing infrared and ultraviolet waves, including both DIY approaches and scientific equipment. Participants explore various techniques and tools that can enhance visibility of these wavelengths.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest using infrared cameras, including those available on certain smartphones, to view infrared waves.
  • Ultraviolet rays can be harmful, with warnings about potential skin and eye damage associated with UV exposure.
  • One participant notes that while humans cannot typically see UV light, individuals without a lens (aphakia) may perceive it.
  • It is mentioned that many insects can see UV light, possibly due to their unique optical structures.
  • Participants discuss the possibility of using modified cameras for UV photography, including removing filters from digital cameras.
  • Suggestions include using a TV remote control to observe infrared light through a mobile phone camera.
  • One participant describes using a business card coated to fluoresce under UV light to track a UV laser path.
  • Links to articles and videos are shared for further exploration of UV and IR photography techniques.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the visibility of UV light and the methods for observing infrared and ultraviolet waves. There is no consensus on the best approach or the implications of UV exposure.

Contextual Notes

Some claims about human vision and the effects of UV exposure depend on specific conditions and definitions, which are not fully resolved in the discussion.

trickslk
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Hello physics community,

Im new here, and this is my first post.

Im searching the internet, looking for a way to see the infrared waves and ultraviolet waves.
I know I have to use a secondary way to look at these waves.

Its really a great help, if you can tell me few simple equipments , which I can make myself at home. And also the scientific equipments that I can use for this.

I know I sound primary, but I am just trying to expand my viewing range and knowledge.

thanks a lot.
 
Science news on Phys.org
Infrared can be viewed with an infrared camera. some handphones have this functionality. ultraviolet rays can be seen using

UV light is dangerous and can cause skin cancer so keep your distance...
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Jose_Peeterson said:
Infrared can be viewed with an infrared camera. some handphones have this functionality. ultraviolet rays can be seen using

UV light is dangerous and can cause skin cancer so keep your distance...



Not only is UV damaging to the skin, it is not very healthy to have UV strike the eyes.

This article discusses the damage that UV exposure can cause to one's eyes and vision:

http://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/uv-protection?sso=y
 
Last edited by a moderator:
SteamKing said:
Not only is UV damaging to the skin, it is not very healthy to have UV strike the eyes.

This article discusses the damage that UV exposure can cause to one's eyes and vision:

http://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/uv-protection?sso=y

Nonetheless, it is possible to survive the experience of walking in the garden in full sunlight - with plenty enough UV radiation for an appropriate camera / sensor to detect it. Many insects have UV sensitive vision and many flowers have UV reflective patterns to show where the nectaries are. Humans do not see these.
A normal digital camera sensor is sensitive to IR and people used to remove the IR filter in older cameras and do IR photography (btw you can also get IR film). However, normal lens glass absorbs UV and you can't do the same trick with UV. You'd have to Google UV camera.
 
thanks everyone, appreciate it.
 
fedaykin said:
Humans can actually see UV light, but you have to lack a lens to do so.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aphakia

The fact that there are insects with UV vision could be due to the different optics (no lens of any thickness in a multiple eye). This would reduce the absorption of UV,, which would mean they could use the same light sensing chemistry as mammals (humans).
 
Try pointing a TV remote control at the video camera on your mobile phone. Sometimes you can see the IR LEDs flashing or at least light up when buttons are pressed.
 
Try YouTube for UV. There is at least one on there by someone that had a canon 600D modified to a full spectrum by removing an internal filter.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UrvViq2Y7OE

Not cheap option.
 
  • #12
I track a 248 nm UV laser path by using a simple business card. It has a coating that causes it to fluoresce when the light impinges on it.

Zz.
 

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