What is the primary purpose of a mid-infrared sensor?

The primary purpose of a mid-infrared sensor is to detect or measure thermal radiation. Mid-infrared sensors operate in the wavelength range typically from 3 to 12 micrometers, which corresponds to the emission spectrum of many objects at room temperature and above. These sensors are especially effective at detecting heat emitted from objects, making them valuable for thermal sensing applications.

This capability allows them to be utilized in diverse fields such as environmental monitoring, industrial processes, and security applications, where identifying variations in temperature is crucial. For instance, they can be used for detecting heat loss in buildings, monitoring temperature changes in industrial equipment, or identifying hot spots in electrical systems.

While the other options touch on aspects related to light or display technology, they do not align with the specific function of mid-infrared sensors. Measuring visible light intensity and enhancing the brightness of displays pertain to different ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum and different applications altogether. Analyzing the color of materials focuses on visible light, which is outside the scope of what mid-infrared sensors are designed for.