Infrared LEDs

Infrared-LED s emit light over a range of 700nm up to 1.000nm, which is no longer visible to the human eye, but can be very well detected by silicon photodiodes and phototransistors. The wavelength emitted depends upon the material used for the semiconductor chips. Standard wavelengths are 880nm and 950nm, whereby the 950nm are generally more favourable priced. Apart from the wavelength and switching speed, important characteristics of infrared LEDs are the direction of emission (sideways, upwards or downwards) and the angle of beam (decisive for the optical power in the forward direction).

Features

• SMD or with pins
• Emission direction upwards, downwards, sideways
• Beam angle: +/-5˚ … +/-85˚
• Wavelength range: 700 nm … 1000 nm
• Standard wavelengths: 850 nm, 880 nm and 950 nm
• Radiation intensity up to 1000 mW/sr

Applications

• Infrared remote control devices
• Light barriers in safety areas
• Reflex sensors with high sensing range, e. g. in the sanitation field
• Optical switching as replacement for mechanical switches
• Room lighting for CCD cameras
• Data transfer, e.g. IrDA, wireless Ethernet