In terms of energy in and energy out, infrared detection is described in the diagram below.
A summary of the energies needed to cause the infrared detector material to work.
In this unit, we have explored the physical properties of various luminescent materials and devices including "glow-in-the-dark" toothbrushes, fireflies, light sticks, Lifesavers, fluorescent markers and minerals, fluorescent lamps, and IR detector cards. The quantum mechanics model that involves energy bands explains how these materials and devices emit light. The development of this comprehensive model started put with atoms of gases to explain the properties of gas lamps and ended with the atoms of solids with impurities to explain luminescent materials such as the fluorescent lamp and the IR detector card. We could say that the quantum mechanics model is very "cool" because it allows us to see everyday phenomena in a new "light" and gives us a deeper understanding and appreciation for the various processes in which matter emits light.
