Near infrared diode, also known as NIR diode, is a type of semiconductor diode that emits light in the near infrared spectrum. This technology has found wide applications in various fields, such as medical, industrial, and agricultural industries. In this article, we will introduce the development, characteristics, and applications of near infrared diodes, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of this technology.

Development of Near Infrared Diodes

The development of near infrared diodes can be traced back to the 1960s, when the first infrared diode was invented. With the continuous advancement of semiconductor technology, the performance of near infrared diodes has been greatly improved. Currently, the main types of near infrared diodes include gallium arsenide (GaAs) near infrared diodes, gallium nitride (GaN) near infrared diodes, and indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) near infrared diodes.

Characteristics of Near Infrared Diodes

1. Emission Wavelength: The emission wavelength of near infrared diodes is between 750nm and 2500nm. Among them, the most commonly used wavelength is 850nm and 940nm. 2. Efficiency: The efficiency of near infrared diodes is relatively high, which can reach more than 50%. However, the efficiency of near infrared diodes is still lower than that of visible light diodes. 3. Luminescence Intensity: The luminescence intensity of near infrared diodes is relatively low, which is about 1/10 of that of visible light diodes. 4. Stability: Near infrared diodes have good stability, and their service life can reach more than 10,000 hours. 5. Spectral Width: The spectral width of near infrared diodes is relatively wide, which can be adjusted according to the actual application requirements.

Applications of Near Infrared Diodes

1. Medical Field: Near infrared diodes have been widely used in medical fields, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), endoscopy, and laser surgery. The near infrared light emitted by the diode can penetrate the tissue to a certain depth, enabling real-time observation of the internal structure of the human body. 2. Industrial Field: In the industrial field, near infrared diodes are mainly used for laser marking, laser cutting, and laser welding. The high energy density of near infrared light can effectively remove the material and achieve the required processing effect. 3. Agricultural Field: Near infrared diodes can be used for plant growth regulation, disease detection, and quality inspection in the agricultural field. The near infrared light can be used to stimulate the growth of plants and improve the yield. 4. Environmental Protection: Near infrared diodes can be used for the detection of environmental pollutants, such as water quality detection and air quality detection. The near infrared light can be used to detect the concentration of pollutants in the water and air, providing a basis for environmental protection. 5. Communication Field: Near infrared diodes can be used for short-distance wireless communication, such as infrared remote control and infrared data transmission. The near infrared light can be used to transmit data between devices with high speed and low power consumption.

Prospects of Near Infrared Diode Technology

With the continuous development of semiconductor technology and the increasing demand for near infrared diodes in various fields, the prospects of near infrared diode technology are very promising. In the future, the following aspects are expected to be developed: 1. Improvement of Performance: The performance of near infrared diodes will be further improved, such as increasing the emission wavelength range, improving the luminescence intensity, and extending the service life. 2. Reduction of Cost: The cost of near infrared diodes will be reduced, making it more accessible to the market. 3. Application Expansion: The application fields of near infrared diodes will be further expanded, such as in the field of smart manufacturing, automotive electronics, and aerospace. In conclusion, near infrared diodes have wide application prospects in various fields. With the continuous development of technology, near infrared diodes will play a more important role in the future.