Infrared LightingPrint

Overview

Infrared light is defined as the band of invisible light found between microwaves and visible light on the electromagnetic spectrum (see the illustration below). Because it is invisible to the naked eye, infrared light has found use in military and commercial applications where visibility is desirable, but visible light is not (ex. night vision). Most applications combine an infrared lighting source with a camera to create an infrared visibility system.




One common misperception is that infrared lighting and thermal imaging are the same thing. Infrared lighting “illuminates” an object with invisible wavelengths of light, which can then be visualized using a camera and monitor. Thermal imaging, on the other hand, utilizes a special camera & monitor to pick up subtle differences in surface temperature by detecting infrared radiation that’s emitted from an object. Infrared lighting systems do not require heat emissions from an object in order to see it.


           


Traditional IR Lights

Traditionally, infrared lights combine an incandescent, halogen or HID lamp with a special lens that only allows the infrared wavelengths to pass through. While relatively inexpensive and widely available, this approach has several shortfalls:


  1. Because these technologies have breakable bulbs, fragile filaments, and/or sensitive electrodes, they are ill-suited for applications where bumps, curves and pot holes will cause premature failure.

  2. Bulb technology-based lights burn out relatively quickly and need to be changed. Not only do you have to purchase replacement bulbs, but there are costs associated with changing out the bulbs and the downtime experienced while the maintenance is performed.

  3. Traditional IR lights are completely reliant on the integrity of the seals and special lens in order to be effective – should either be broken, the light is no longer “invisible.”

IRED Lights – Superior Technology

Thanks to advances in technology, infrared emitting diodes (IREDs) provide a much more durable, efficient, and long-lasting solution for infrared lighting applications. IREDs are a variety of light emitting diodes (LEDs) which generate light energy in only the infrared wavelength. Because they are a solid-state technology (no breakable bulbs, fragile filaments or moving parts), they are ideal for rough & rugged applications where shock and vibration are present. From a longevity perspective, IREDs out-live incandescent bulbs 300-to-1, halogen bulbs 50-to-1, and HID bulbs 20-to-1. Best of all, the infrared “filtering” is built right into the diodes themselves, so there is no reliance on breakable seals or special lenses.

Want more information?

If you have specific questions about infrared lighting or IREDs, please call us toll free at 1-800-558-7288 or send us an e-mail at speaker@jwspeaker.com. Our experienced staff will be happy to answer any questions that you may have.