Infrared emitter tube, also known as infrared diode, is a key component in the field of infrared technology. It is widely used in various applications such as remote control, infrared communication, infrared detection, and infrared heating. In this article, we will introduce the basic concepts, development history, types, and applications of infrared emitter tubes.
Basic Concepts of Infrared Emitter Tube
An infrared emitter tube is a semiconductor device that emits infrared radiation. It is mainly composed of a p-n junction and a package. When a forward bias voltage is applied to the p-n junction, electrons and holes are injected into the junction, and through the recombination process, infrared radiation is emitted. The wavelength of the emitted infrared radiation is determined by the composition and structure of the semiconductor material.
Development History of Infrared Emitter Tube
The development of infrared emitter tubes can be traced back to the early 20th century. In the 1920s, the first infrared diode was invented by a German scientist. Since then, with the continuous development of semiconductor technology, the performance of infrared emitter tubes has been continuously improved. In the 1950s, the development of gallium arsenide (GaAs) infrared emitter tubes marked a new era in the field of infrared technology. In the 1980s, the development of indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) infrared emitter tubes further pushed the development of infrared technology.
Types of Infrared Emitter Tube
According to the wavelength of the emitted infrared radiation, infrared emitter tubes can be divided into short-wave infrared, mid-wave infrared, and long-wave infrared. The specific types include:
1. Short-wave infrared emitter tube: The wavelength is between 0.76μm and 3μm. It is mainly used in optical communication, remote control, and infrared detection.
2. Mid-wave infrared emitter tube: The wavelength is between 3μm and 5μm. It is mainly used in infrared thermal imaging, infrared communication, and infrared detection.
3. Long-wave infrared emitter tube: The wavelength is between 5μm and 15μm. It is mainly used in infrared thermal imaging, infrared communication, and infrared heating.
According to the semiconductor material, infrared emitter tubes can be divided into:
1. Germanium infrared emitter tube: It has good performance in the short-wave infrared band and is widely used in optical communication and remote control.
2. Gallium arsenide infrared emitter tube: It has good performance in the mid-wave and long-wave infrared bands and is widely used in infrared thermal imaging and infrared communication.
3. Indium gallium arsenide infrared emitter tube: It has good performance in the mid-wave and long-wave infrared bands and is widely used in infrared thermal imaging and infrared communication.
Applications of Infrared Emitter Tube
Infrared emitter tubes have a wide range of applications in various fields. The following are some typical applications:
1. Remote control: Infrared emitter tubes are widely used in TV remote controls, air conditioner remote controls, and other consumer electronics products.
2. Infrared communication: Infrared emitter tubes are used in infrared communication systems, such as infrared remote controls, infrared data transmission, and infrared wireless networks.
3. Infrared detection: Infrared emitter tubes are used in infrared detection systems, such as infrared burglar alarms, infrared obstacle avoidance, and infrared surveillance cameras.
4. Infrared heating: Infrared emitter tubes are used in infrared heating equipment, such as infrared heating lamps, infrared heating panels, and infrared heating ovens.
5. Infrared thermal imaging: Infrared emitter tubes are used in infrared thermal imaging systems, such as night vision devices, thermal imaging cameras, and infrared thermal imaging instruments.
Future Development of Infrared Emitter Tube
With the continuous development of infrared technology, the future development of infrared emitter tubes will focus on the following aspects:
1. High-efficiency and low-power: In order to meet the increasingly high requirements of energy saving and environmental protection, the development of high-efficiency and low-power infrared emitter tubes is an important direction.
2. Wide spectral range: In order to meet the needs of various applications, the development of infrared emitter tubes with a wide spectral range is an important direction.
3. Miniaturization and integration: In order to meet the needs of portable and intelligent devices, the development of miniaturized and integrated infrared emitter tubes is an important direction.
4. Intelligent control: The development of intelligent control technology will promote the development of infrared emitter tubes, making them more intelligent and efficient.
In conclusion, infrared emitter tubes play an important role in the field of infrared technology. With the continuous development of infrared technology, the application of infrared emitter tubes will be more extensive and in-depth.