Infrared cameras are often used as security devices.
Infrared cameras use film or image sensors that are sensitive to infrared light. Infrared light bands are between 700 and 1,400 nanometers on the spectrum and are not visible to the human eye. Infrared cameras are able to capture images that other cameras cannot, and are capable of taking photographs and recording video in total darkness.
Discovery
Infrared photography was not possible at the beginning of the 20th century because film relied on silver halide emulsions -- a substance incapable of capturing infrared light. In October 1910, Robert W. Wood used an experimental film that required very long exposures and published the results in "The Century Magazine." These photographs were the first infrared pictures taken by an infrared camera.
World War I
The United Stated began developing infrared-sensitive photographic plates for use in World War I. Infrared cameras were very useful in spectroscopic analysis and aerial photography. Dyes such as cryptocyanine could be added to penetrate through haze and reveal the positions of enemy troops. Infrared cameras were still only able to capture black and white images at this stage of development.
Popularity
In the 1930s, infrared film became commercially available to the public and it quickly became popular with photography enthusiasts. Major newspapers and filmmakers began experimenting with infrared photography to increase interest in their product. In the 1940s, Kodak introduced the first false-color infrared film called Kodak Ektachrome, which attempted to mimic natural colors. Because infrared cameras produced unexpected colors and unusual results, it skyrocketed in popularity with the 1960s psychedelic culture, often appearing on the album covers of popular musicians.
Today
At the turn of the 21st century, a large percentage of infrared cameras were digital and used primarily for security purposes -- due to their ability to detect images in darkness. Although public interest in infrared imaging seems to have waned, many digital cameras are still on the market capable of shooting infrared photography.
Tags: cameras were, Infrared cameras, able capture, Infrared cameras, Infrared cameras were