Can a prism, of the proper material for a range of frequencies outside of the visible spectrum, but of interest, be constructed that will separate those frequencies, in that range, in a manner analogous to the visible light prism`s operation?
[Physics] Prisms and light outside the visible spectrum
electromagnetic-radiation
Related Solutions
Lorentz came with a nice model for light matter interaction that describes dispersion quite effectively. If we assume that an electron oscillates around some equilibrium position and is driven by an external electric field $\mathbf{E}$ (i.e., light), its movement can be described by the equation $$ m\frac{\mathrm{d}^2\mathbf{x}}{\mathrm{d}t^2}+m\gamma\frac{\mathrm{d}\mathbf{x}}{\mathrm{d}t}+k\mathbf{x} = e\mathbf{E}. $$ The first and third terms on the LHS describe a classical harmonic oscillator, the second term adds damping, and the RHS gives the driving force.
If we assume that the incoming light is monochromatic, $\mathbf{E} = \mathbf{E}_0e^{-i\omega t}$ and we assume a similar response $\xi$, we get $$ \xi = \frac{e}{m}\mathbf{E}_0\frac{e^{-i\omega t}}{\Omega^2-\omega^2-i\gamma\omega}, $$ where $\Omega^2 = k/m$. Now we can play with this a bit, using the fact that for dielectric polarization we have $\mathbf{P} = \epsilon_0\chi\mathbf{E} = Ne\xi$ and for index of refraction we have $n^2 = 1+\chi$ to find out that $$ n^2 = 1+\frac{Ne^2}{\epsilon_0 m}\frac{\Omega^2-\omega^2+i\gamma\omega}{(\Omega^2-\omega^2)^2+\gamma^2\omega^2}. $$ Clearly, the refractive index is frequency dependent. Moreover, this dependence comes from the friction in the electron movement; if we assumed that there is no damping of the electron movement, $\gamma = 0$, there would be no frequency dependence.
There is another possible approach to this, using impulse method, that assumes that the dielectric polarization is given by convolution $$ \mathbf{P}(t) = \epsilon_0\int_{-\infty}^t\chi(t-t')\mathbf{E}(t')\mathrm{d}t'. $$ Using Fourier transform, we have $\mathbf{P}(\omega) = \epsilon_0\chi(\omega)\mathbf{E}(\omega)$. If the susceptibility $\chi$ is given by a Dirac-$\delta$-function, its Fourier transform is constant and does not depend on frequency. In reality, however, the medium has a finite response time and the susceptibility has a finite width. Therefore, its Fourier transform is not a constant but depends on frequency.
Best Answer
The infra red part of the spectrum was first discovered when a thermometer showed an increase in reading when placed beyond the red end of the spectrum of sunlight.
So the answer to you question is "yes".
What is required is a dispersive material (speed of wave depends on frequency) which does not absorb the radiation and a suitable detector.
If a glass prism is replaced by a prism made of calcium fluoride then the infra red radiation can be detected over a greater range of frequencies because infra red is absorbed less by calcium fluoride than by glass.
Ultra violet (beyond the violet part of the spectrum) can be detected using a fluorescent screen and is more noticeable if a quartz prism is used.
A paraffin wax prism will refract microwaves but the prism must be much larger than the wavelength of the microwaves so as to mask the effect of diffraction.