Final answer:
The advantages of using infrared radiation in automated optometers over visible radiation include the elimination of interference from the atmosphere, the opportunity for cooling the optical system, and the ability to detect and study specific properties.
Step-by-step explanation:
The advantages of using infrared radiation in automated optometers over visible radiation are as follows:
- Elimination of interference from the atmosphere: Infrared radiation is less affected by atmospheric conditions, allowing for more accurate and reliable measurements. In space-based observations, there is no atmospheric interference at all.
- Opportunity for cooling the optical system: Infrared radiation can be reduced by cooling the entire optical system of the instrument, which helps improve the quality and sensitivity of measurements. This cooling process is more feasible in space, where the absence of atmospheric gases prevents the telescope from becoming coated and rendered useless.
- Ability to detect and study specific properties: Infrared radiation has unique properties that allow for the detection of different materials and phenomena. For example, infrared emissions can be used to detect the heat emitted by warm objects, such as humans, making it useful in night-vision scopes.