Infrared waves, or infrared radiation, are part of the electromagnetic spectrum and have a variety of uses and applications. Here are some examples:

• Thermal Imaging: Infrared waves can be used to create images of heat patterns, which is useful in fields such as medicine, building inspection, and law enforcement.

• Remote Controls: Remote controls use near-infrared light to send signals to home-entertainment devices, such as televisions.

• Cooking: Infrared radiation is used in cooking, known as broiling or grilling. One energy advantage is that the IR energy heats only opaque objects, such as food, rather than the air around them.

• Sensing and Detection: All objects on Earth emit IR radiation in the form of heat, which can be detected by electronic sensors, such as those used in night vision goggles and infrared cameras. This is useful in fields such as astronomy, medicine, and law enforcement.

• Heating: Infrared radiation can be used as a deliberate heating source, such as in infrared saunas to heat the occupants or to remove ice from the wings of aircraft.

• Observing Objects in Space: Infrared astronomy uses sensor-equipped telescopes to penetrate dusty regions of space, detect objects such as planets, and view highly red-shifted objects from the early days of the universe.

In addition, infrared radiation is used in traditional medical applications, such as the relief of muscle pain and tension, as well as the treatment of autoimmune diseases or wound-healing disorders.