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Infrared Sources

About Infrared Sources

Infrared sources are optoelectronic devices that emit infrared light, electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than visible light but shorter than radio waves. The infrared (IR) region of the electromagnetic spectrum is located between red light and radio frequency (RF) waves. Infrared radiation spans wavelengths between 750 nm and 1 mm and can be divided into five categories: near infrared (NIR), short wavelength infrared (SWIR), mid wavelength infrared (MWIR), long wavelength infrared (LWIR) and far infrared (FIR). Infrared sources vary in terms of capabilities and may emit infrared light in some or all of these infrared bands. For example, infrared sources that are designed for telecommunication applications may serve as an infrared light source for the O-band (1260 - 1360 nm), E-band (1360 - 1460 nm), S-band (1460 - 1530 nm), C-band (1530 - 1565 nm), L-band (1565 - 1625 nm), and U-band (1625 - 1675 nm).

There are three basic types of infrared sources: light emitting diodes (LEDs), thermal sources and tunable diodes. Light-emitting diodes (LED) are PN junction devices that give off light radiation when biased in the forward direction. Important performance specifications to consider when searching for light emitting diodes (LED) include LED type, peak wavelength, viewing angle, optical power output, luminous intensity, forward current, and forward voltage. Thermal sources contain a heat source that can deliver a heat flux, at a distinct temperature, into a sample. They are often combined with a calorimeter, a temperature-measuring device that can read the resultant change in temperature. Tunable diodes are infrared sources that can be adjusted to emit one of several different wavelengths.

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Other Topics You Might Be Interested In

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    Infrared (IR) energy or radiant energy consists of electromagnetic waves or photons. All materials continuously emit or absorb electromagnetic waves. Therefore, all materials emit or absorb infrared....
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Engineering Web: Infrared Sources

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LAMBDA - Infrared Astronomical Satellite
The focal plane contained an array of 62 rectangular infrared detectors.
Boston Electronics - Infrared Sources
The second covers thermal infrared sources including calibration grade cavity sources and instrument grade "gray body" sources as well as IR LEDs.
See Boston Electronics Corporation Information
Light-emitting diode - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
However, they are relatively expensive and require more precise current and heat management than traditional light sources.
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Part Numbers for Infrared Sources

Part # Distributor Manufacturer Product Category Description
72-6771 Newark MCM All Supplier Direct Ship Infrared Detectors, Type: Probe, Dimensions: (W x H) 4 3/4 x 3/4 , Features: Ideal for testing infrared remote controls and infrared sources in VCRs, test area glows when infrared is present, heavy laminated plastic
72-6772 Newark MCM All Supplier Direct Ship Infrared Detectors, Type: Card, Dimensions: (W x H) 3 1/4 x 2 1/8 , Features: Ideal for testing infrared remote controls and infrared sources in VCRs, test area glows when infrared is present, heavy laminated plastic

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