Far Infrared Ray (FIR) Technology
Everything in the universe emits and absorbs certain wave energies. The electromagnetic spectrum consists of the complete range of radiant energies that are measured as waves or frequencies. Electromagnetic refers to the ability to exist both as matter (particles) and energy (waves).
The electromagnetic spectrum may be classified into seven main sections:
- Radio Waves
- Microwaves
- Infrared
- Visible Light (spectrum shown opposite)
- Ultraviolet
- X-rays
- Gamma-ray radiation
Radio Waves have the longest and Gamma-rays the shortest wavelengths. Short wavelength radiation (Gamma, X-rays and Ultraviolet) is of the highest energy and can be very dangerous. Longer wavelength radiation (Radio, Microwaves and Infrared) is of lower energy and is usually less harmful.
In the electromagnetic spectrum, infrared (IR) wavelengths are below (i.e. infra) visible red light. This infrared section can be broken down into three further segments, which are typically measured in microns or micrometres. A micron is an extremely small measurement, equalling one millionth of a metre. The three IR segments are:
- Far IR, from 4.0 to 1,000 microns (FIR)
- Middle IR, from 1.5 to 4.0 microns, and
- Near IR, from 0.076 to 1.5 microns
Near IR light is closest in wavelength to visible light and Far IR is closer to the microwave part of the spectrum.
Even objects that we think of as being very cold, such as an ice cube, emit infrared. When an object is not quite hot enough to radiate visible light, it will emit most of its energy in the infrared. For example, hot charcoal may not give off light but it does emit infrared radiation, which we feel as heat. The warmer the object, the more infrared radiation it emits.
Sunlight warms us in a profound way as it contains the full range of electromagnetic energies described above. Although the wavelengths of Far Infrared Rays (FIR) are too long for our eyes to perceive them, we experience their energy as gentle radiant heat. FIR warmth penetrates beyond our skin and is absorbed by the cells below, whereas visible light is mostly bounced off the surface of our skin.
FIR can penetrate up to 4cms (1 – 1½ inches) beneath our skin, resonating with our body’s cellular frequencies, though we are unable to sense the deep heating effects of FIR, because our body’s ability to sense heat is concentrated mainly at skin level. Nonetheless, the effects of FIR can increase metabolism, blood circulation and raise your core body temperature. NASA certainly understood this when it developed FIR materials to provide radiant heat for astronauts during space travel.
The range of wavelengths of FIR generated by the human body is from 6 to 20 microns, with the optimal range between 7 and 14 microns, which is very close to the resonant frequency of a water molecule (9.4 microns). This similarity makes sense since nearly 80% of our body consists of water. FIR is harmless and works in harmony with your body.
Almost 90% of the Far Infrared Ray (FIR) heat produced by the carbon fibre heating panels, wires and elements, which are used in the production of kozeee heated leisure wear and accessories, is in the 3 to 15 microns wavelength, providing you with convenient, consistent and therapeutic warmth in absolute safety.
