Radiometry is used to measure electromagnetic radiation, like visible light. The use of radiometry is vital for numerous industries and many environmental studies. However, as you probably already know, it is a highly complicated field of science. Because of this, only specialists are able to study and use it. It can take years of study to become an expert in radiometry.
If radiometry is a topic that you’re interested in, then this post’s got you covered. Here you’ll find some information about what it is (in greater detail) and which industries use it most.
What Is Radiometry?
People who aren’t fully educated on the subject often confuse radiometry with photometry. Radiometry is the measurement of radiation with physical devices, whereas photometry is the branch of physics that deals with how radiation is perceived by our eyes. Radiometry is a much more effective measure of radiation because physical devices are much more sensitive than the human eye. The human eye’s perception of light is entirely dependent upon wavelength. This is not the case for machines. The types of machines used to measure radiation are highly technical and can only be operated by specialist companies and individuals.
What Companies?
You might then be wondering, what companies are individuals operating such devices? There are a variety of different industries where radiometry is used, so it’s hard to pinpoint a single company (or type of company). However, there is one type of company, a photonics company, that can be used as an example. Photonics is the science of generating and detecting photons, or as they are more commonly known light particles. These companies aid in the development of things like smartphones and laptops, the management of the internet, and of course, lighting technology.
Radiometry Industries
Fishing Industry
The fishing industry makes use of radiometry technology. The reason for this is that there are certain fish that are attracted to light. Special lights have to be developed in order to attract these fish, however. More often than not, these fish can only be reached at extreme depths. The technology used therefore needs to be able to withstand the pressure of being submerged to such depths.
Hydroponic Farming
Lights are required in hydroponic farming, too. A plant that’s commonly farmed using hydroponics is Cannabis. Most hydroponic shops cater almost exclusively to the producers of Cannabis. Hydroponics is a very big industry in parts of the United States where Cannabis is legalized. Radiometry experts (and technology) are needed to develop high-quality hydroponic lighting.
Solar Radiometry
Radiometry technology is also used in space in order to measure solar flares and other things. The technology that is used for this purpose is very technical and isn’t usually available to the public. Without the use of radiometry tech, organizations like NASA would have a very hard time taking measurements in space, since they often rely on light to make judgments and decisions about things.
Radiometry is a complex area of physics. However, you don’t have to be a physicist to need to use a radiometry device. There are a variety of different industries completely unrelated to physics that make use of them.