Which of the following applications is most associated with infrared technology?

Thermal imaging is most associated with infrared technology because it specifically relies on detecting infrared radiation emitted by objects. As objects emit heat, thermal imaging systems capture this infrared energy and convert it into images, allowing users to visualize temperature differences and identify heat sources. This is widely utilized in various fields, including military applications, firefighting, and building inspections, where heat variations can indicate issues such as insulation problems or potential fire hazards.

The other options, while they have their own important applications, do not primarily rely on infrared technology. Navigational aids may involve a variety of technologies, including radar and GPS, while sound detection is associated with acoustic technologies. Optical fiber communication operates using light transmission rather than infrared, focusing instead on the visible spectrum or near-infrared light for data transmission. This distinction reinforces why thermal imaging is the most closely aligned application with infrared technology.