What is an Infrared Emitter?
An infrared emitter is an electronic component that emits infrared light.
Infrared is a type of electromagnetic wave naturally emitted by all objects possessing heat. It is also present in sunlight, and the light we perceive as warmth corresponds to infrared. An infrared emitter is a device that converts electrical energy into infrared and intentionally emits it.
Infrared emitters using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are common. Other products, such as halogen lamps and ceramic heaters, also exist that use heat sources to radiate infrared light. Infrared light possesses the properties of light and can be focused in a specific direction using lenses or reflectors. Furthermore, since it is invisible light, it is suitable for use in darkness where illumination is unnecessary, and its applications are diverse.
Applications of Infrared Emitters
Infrared emitters are used in applications such as the following.
1. Data Communication
The most familiar example is the remote control used for televisions, air conditioners, and similar devices. An infrared emitter built into the tip of the remote flashes in specific patterns corresponding to commands, transmitting infrared light as a digital signal. The receiver in the main unit reads this light pattern, enabling remote operation. Infrared communication is widely adopted in many home appliances because the components are inexpensive and the circuit configuration is simple.
2. Sensing and Monitoring
Infrared emitters are also widely used in sensors that detect the presence of people or objects. Security motion sensors and automatic doors operate by detecting changes in the minute infrared radiation emitted by the human body. They are further applied in security cameras for nighttime or low-light surveillance. An infrared emitter illuminates the target object with infrared light, and an infrared camera captures the reflected light, enabling imaging of the object even in dark environments.
3. Heating and Drying
This application utilizes infrared’s property of converting into heat when absorbed by materials. A representative product is the infrared heater. It employs radiant heating to warm objects without air transfer, resulting in high energy efficiency. Leveraging this characteristic, it is used in industrial fields for drying coatings and curing resins, and in agriculture for drying crops.