Infrared emitter diode, also known as infrared LED, is a semiconductor device that emits infrared light when an electric current passes through it. It is widely used in various applications, such as remote controls, surveillance systems, and medical equipment. In this article, we will introduce the infrared emitter diode industry, including its working principle, types, applications, and market trends.

Working Principle of Infrared Emitter Diode

The working principle of an infrared emitter diode is based on the semiconductor junction. When a forward bias voltage is applied to the diode, electrons and holes are injected into the depletion region. The recombination of electrons and holes generates infrared photons. The wavelength of the emitted light is determined by the energy bandgap of the semiconductor material. The typical energy bandgap of the infrared emitter diode is between 0.9μm and 3μm. Different materials, such as gallium arsenide (GaAs), gallium phosphide (GaP), and indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs), are used to achieve the desired emission wavelength. The emission intensity and spectral characteristics of the infrared emitter diode can be adjusted by optimizing the semiconductor material and device structure.

Types of Infrared Emitter Diodes

Infrared emitter diodes can be classified into several types based on their emission wavelength, structure, and application. The following are some common types: 1. Narrow Band Infrared Emitter Diode: This type of diode emits light with a narrow wavelength range, typically around 0.9μm to 1.7μm. It is suitable for applications requiring high spectral purity, such as remote controls and optical communication. 2. Broad Band Infrared Emitter Diode: This type of diode emits light with a wide wavelength range, typically around 1.7μm to 3μm. It is suitable for applications requiring high brightness, such as surveillance systems and medical equipment. 3. Surface Emitting Infrared Emitter Diode: This type of diode emits light from the surface of the semiconductor material. It is suitable for applications requiring high brightness and a small form factor, such as remote controls and mobile phones. 4. Edge Emitting Infrared Emitter Diode: This type of diode emits light from the edge of the semiconductor material. It is suitable for applications requiring high power output and a stable emission characteristic, such as industrial automation and medical equipment.

Applications of Infrared Emitter Diodes

Infrared emitter diodes have a wide range of applications in various industries. The following are some of the main applications: 1. Remote Controls: Infrared emitter diodes are widely used in remote controls for consumer electronics, such as televisions, air conditioners, and audio equipment. 2. Surveillance Systems: Infrared emitter diodes are used in surveillance systems to provide night vision capabilities. They enable the camera to capture images in low-light or dark environments. 3. Medical Equipment: Infrared emitter diodes are used in medical equipment for various applications, such as thermometry, photoacoustic imaging, and endoscopy. 4. Industrial Automation: Infrared emitter diodes are used in industrial automation for applications such as proximity sensors, optical switches, and barcode readers. 5. Optical Communication: Infrared emitter diodes are used in optical communication systems for transmitting data over short distances.

Market Trends of Infrared Emitter Diodes

The infrared emitter diode market has been growing steadily in recent years, driven by the increasing demand for consumer electronics, surveillance systems, and medical equipment. The following are some key market trends: 1. Miniaturization: As consumer electronics become more compact, there is a growing demand for miniaturized infrared emitter diodes. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years. 2. High Efficiency: With the development of semiconductor technology, high-efficiency infrared emitter diodes are becoming more prevalent. These diodes offer improved performance and longer lifespan. 3. Customization: The market for customized infrared emitter diodes is growing, as customers seek solutions tailored to their specific application requirements. 4. Environmental Sustainability: As environmental concerns continue to rise, there is an increasing demand for infrared emitter diodes that are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. In conclusion, the infrared emitter diode industry is a rapidly growing sector with a wide range of applications. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see further innovations and improvements in the performance and efficiency of infrared emitter diodes.