L band (infrared)

L band in the context of infrared refers to a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum within the infrared region. While the precise boundaries vary depending on the specific application and source, it generally occupies a frequency range overlapping and extending into the far-infrared. There isn't a universally agreed-upon definition as there is with radio frequency L-bands. The usage of "L band" in this context is less standardized than in radio astronomy or satellite communications.

Instead of fixed frequency ranges, the L band in infrared is often defined in relation to its application. For instance, researchers might refer to an L band when describing a specific instrument's operational range within the far-infrared, typically covering wavelengths longer than those considered mid-infrared and shorter than those of the submillimeter region. This means the wavelengths typically fall within the range of tens to hundreds of micrometers.

The specific applications using this nomenclature often focus on materials science, astronomy, and remote sensing, where the longer wavelengths are advantageous for detecting certain molecular vibrations or penetrating atmospheric conditions. The lack of a widely accepted definition necessitates careful consideration of context whenever encountering this term in scientific literature.