Infrared vs. Laser: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on October 21, 2023
"Infrared" refers to electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than visible light, while "Laser" is a device emitting intense light through optical amplification.
Key Differences
"Infrared" and "Laser" are terms that both relate to light, but they represent different concepts. Infrared is a type of electromagnetic radiation, part of the electromagnetic spectrum, that has wavelengths longer than those of visible light but shorter than microwaves. It's the radiation we feel as heat and use in devices like remote controls. Conversely, a Laser is not a type of radiation but a device or mechanism. The term "Laser" stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. It emits light through a process of optical amplification, producing a narrow and focused beam.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
It's interesting to note that while Infrared is a category of light wavelengths, lasers can be designed to emit various kinds of light, including infrared. This means that there can be infrared lasers. Such lasers emit light in the infrared spectrum and are used in various applications, including communication, medical procedures, and military technology. The primary difference, in this context, is that Infrared describes a range of light, while Laser describes a mechanism for producing specific types of light.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
In everyday use, we often encounter Infrared in heating and wireless communication. For example, many remote controls for electronics use infrared signals to communicate with devices. Lasers, on the other hand, have a wide range of applications, from reading barcodes at the supermarket to performing intricate surgeries. Their ability to focus light into a narrow beam makes them ideal for precision tasks.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
Another distinguishing factor is the way humans perceive them. Infrared, being beyond the visible spectrum, is not visible to the human eye. We can't see it, but we can feel it as heat. Lasers, depending on their design, can emit visible or invisible light. A red laser pointer emits light in the visible spectrum, while an infrared laser, as mentioned earlier, would be invisible to us. Both, however, have significant impacts on technology and our daily lives.
Janet White
Oct 21, 2023
Comparison Chart
Definition
Electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than visible light.
Device emitting light through optical amplification.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
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Visibility
Invisible to the human eye.
Can be visible or invisible, depending on design.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
Common Use
Heating, remote controls, thermal imaging.
Reading barcodes, surgeries, communication, entertainment.
Harlon Moss
Oct 21, 2023
Representation
Part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Device producing focused light beams.
Janet White
Oct 21, 2023
Infrared and Laser Definitions
Infrared
The part of the electromagnetic spectrum with wavelengths longer than visible light.
Infrared wavelengths are commonly used in remote controls.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 09, 2023
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Laser
Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.
A laser pointer is a popular tool for presentations.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 09, 2023
Infrared
Radiation felt as heat but not seen.
The sun emits a significant amount of infrared radiation.
Harlon Moss
Oct 09, 2023
Laser
A mechanism producing intense, concentrated beams of light.
Lasers are used in medical surgeries for their precision.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Infrared
Electromagnetic radiation beyond the red end of the visible light spectrum.
Infrared cameras can detect heat emitted by objects.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 09, 2023
Laser
A device emitting focused light through optical amplification.
Scientists use lasers for precision experiments.
Sara Rehman
Oct 09, 2023
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Infrared
Light waves used in various technologies, from communication to heating.
Infrared saunas use infrared light to produce heat.
Janet White
Oct 09, 2023
Laser
A technology producing light beams for various applications.
Laser shows are popular at music concerts.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Infrared
A type of light that's invisible but detectable by its heat.
Infrared sensors can detect movement in the dark.
Janet White
Oct 09, 2023
Laser
A device emitting monochromatic, coherent light.
The barcode scanner uses a laser to read codes.
Janet White
Oct 09, 2023
Infrared
Of or relating to electromagnetic radiation between microwaves and red visible light in the electromagnetic spectrum, having frequencies between 300 gigahertz and 400 terahertz and wavelengths between 1 millimeter and 750 nanometers.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Laser
Any of several devices that emit highly amplified and coherent radiation of one or more discrete wavelengths. One of the most common lasers makes use of atoms in a metastable energy state, which, as they decay to a lower energy level, stimulate others to decay, resulting in a cascade of emitted radiation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Laser
(Sports)A ball or puck sent in a straight line at high speed
Shot a laser into the upper right corner of the goal.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Infrared
(uncountable) The electromagnetic radiation of a wavelength longer than visible light, but shorter than microwave radiation, having a wavelength between 700 nm and 1 mm.
Electromagnetic radiation
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Infrared
Lying outside the visible spectrum at its red end; - said of rays having a longer wavelength (and thus less refrangible) than the extreme red rays, specifically those electromagnetic waves having a wavelength of between 700 nanometers and 1 millimeter.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Infrared
Affected by infrared radiation; as, infrared detector; infrared film.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Infrared
The infrared part of the electromagnetic spectrum; electromagnetic wave frequencies below the visible range;
They could sense radiation in the infrared
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Laser
A device which produces an intense, usually narrow, monochromatic beam of coherent light; called also optical maser. It has various forms, and is used in various applications in science and technology. The beam is produced by boosting the majority of the electrons in specific radiation-absorbing atoms in a medium into a higher energy level, from which they are stimulated by their own emitted radiation to drop back synchronously to their lower energy level, and emit light which is in phase (coherent).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Infrared
Electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than visible light but shorter than radio waves
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Laser
An acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation; an optical device that produces an intense monochromatic beam of coherent light
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Infrared
Having or employing wavelengths longer than light but shorter than radio waves; lying outside the visible spectrum at its red end;
Infrared radiation
Infrared photography
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
FAQs
What's a common use for infrared?
Infrared is commonly used in remote controls for devices.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
Can lasers emit infrared light?
Yes, there are lasers designed to emit infrared light.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
What is a practical application of lasers in medicine?
Lasers are used in eye surgeries and for removing tumors.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
How does infrared imaging work?
It detects infrared radiation (heat) emitted by objects and translates it into visible images.
Sara Rehman
Oct 21, 2023
Can infrared be harmful?
In high concentrations or prolonged exposure, infrared can cause burns or other injuries.
Sara Rehman
Oct 21, 2023
Is infrared a type of laser?
No, infrared is a type of light wavelength, while a laser is a device that can emit light, including infrared.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
Are lasers always visible?
No, lasers can emit both visible and invisible light, depending on their design.
Sara Rehman
Oct 21, 2023
How do CD players use lasers?
CD players use lasers to read the information encoded on the disc.
Harlon Moss
Oct 21, 2023
Is infrared used in communication?
Yes, infrared is used in wireless communication, such as in some Wi-Fi setups.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 21, 2023
What does the term "laser" stand for?
Laser stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 21, 2023
What are lasers made of?
Lasers consist of a gain medium, an energy source, and two mirrors forming an optical cavity.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
Why can't we see infrared?
Infrared has wavelengths longer than visible light, making it invisible to the human eye.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 21, 2023
Are lasers safe?
When used properly, lasers are safe, but direct exposure can be harmful, especially to the eyes.
Janet White
Oct 21, 2023
What's the difference between infrared and ultraviolet?
Infrared has longer wavelengths than visible light, while ultraviolet has shorter wavelengths.
Harlon Moss
Oct 21, 2023
How do lasers work in printers?
Lasers in printers create an electrostatic image on a drum, which then transfers toner to paper.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
Are lasers used in military applications?
Yes, lasers are used for targeting, communication, and even as potential weapons.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 21, 2023
Why are lasers coherent light sources?
Lasers emit light that is of one frequency and phase, making it coherent.
Sara Rehman
Oct 21, 2023
Can animals see infrared?
Some animals, like certain snakes, can detect infrared radiation.
Janet White
Oct 21, 2023
Are infrared heaters efficient?
Yes, infrared heaters can be very efficient as they directly heat objects and people.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
