Introduction to IR LED Source

1. Overview of IR LED Source

The infrared LED source, also known as the infrared light-emitting diode, is a semiconductor device that emits infrared light when a forward voltage is applied. It has become an indispensable component in various fields, such as automotive, security, medical, and consumer electronics. In this article, we will introduce the development, classification, and application of IR LED sources.

2. Development of IR LED Source

The development of IR LED sources dates back to the 1960s when the first infrared LED was invented. At that time, the emission wavelength of IR LEDs was mainly in the 0.9-1.7μm range. With the continuous advancement of technology, the emission wavelength of IR LEDs has been extended to the 2.5-3.5μm range, and the efficiency and brightness of IR LEDs have been significantly improved. In the 1980s, the development of IR LED technology entered a new era. The introduction of MOCVD (Metal Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition) technology greatly improved the production efficiency and quality of IR LEDs. At the same time, the development of infrared sensor technology also promoted the application of IR LED sources in various fields.

3. Classification of IR LED Source

IR LED sources can be classified according to their emission wavelength, structure, and application. The following are the main classifications: 3.1 Emission Wavelength According to the emission wavelength, IR LED sources can be divided into short-wave infrared, mid-wave infrared, and long-wave infrared. The short-wave infrared has a wavelength range of 0.9-1.7μm, the mid-wave infrared has a wavelength range of 1.7-3.5μm, and the long-wave infrared has a wavelength range of 3.5-5μm. 3.2 Structure IR LED sources can be divided into chip-on-board (COB), surface mount (SMD), and through-hole (TH) structures. COB structure has high light extraction efficiency and small size, suitable for high-power applications. SMD structure is convenient for assembly and has good heat dissipation performance, suitable for medium and low-power applications. TH structure has good electrical performance and is suitable for traditional applications. 3.3 Application IR LED sources are widely used in various fields, such as automotive, security, medical, consumer electronics, and industrial automation. According to the application, IR LED sources can be divided into automotive IR LED sources, security IR LED sources, medical IR LED sources, consumer electronics IR LED sources, and industrial automation IR LED sources.

4. Application of IR LED Source

4.1 Automotive Industry In the automotive industry, IR LED sources are mainly used in automotive radar, night vision, and reverse imaging systems. The automotive radar system uses IR LED sources to emit infrared light and detect the distance and speed of the surrounding objects, providing drivers with real-time data to ensure safe driving. The night vision system uses IR LED sources to emit infrared light and capture the image of the surrounding environment in low-light conditions, enabling drivers to see clearly in the dark. The reverse imaging system uses IR LED sources to emit infrared light and provide drivers with a rear view image, facilitating parking and maneuvering. 4.2 Security Industry In the security industry, IR LED sources are widely used in surveillance cameras, infrared burglar alarms, and thermal imaging systems. The surveillance camera uses IR LED sources to emit infrared light and capture the image of the monitored area in the dark, providing effective security for important places. The infrared burglar alarm uses IR LED sources to detect the movement of intruders in the monitored area, ensuring the safety of property. The thermal imaging system uses IR LED sources to emit infrared light and capture the temperature distribution of the monitored object, providing valuable information for security personnel. 4.3 Medical Industry In the medical industry, IR LED sources are mainly used in infrared thermography, photoacoustic imaging, and optogenetic stimulation. The infrared thermography uses IR LED sources to emit infrared light and capture the temperature distribution of the human body, providing valuable information for disease diagnosis. The photoacoustic imaging uses IR LED sources to emit infrared light and generate photoacoustic signals, which are then used to reconstruct the internal structure of the human body. The optogenetic stimulation uses IR LED sources to emit infrared light and stimulate the activity of neurons, providing a new method for the treatment of neurological diseases. 4.4 Consumer Electronics In consumer electronics, IR LED sources are widely used in remote controls, infrared communication, and motion sensors. The remote control uses IR LED sources to emit infrared light and send signals to the electronic device, enabling users to control the device remotely. The infrared communication uses IR LED sources to transmit data between devices, providing a low-cost and low-power communication solution. The motion sensor uses IR LED sources to detect the movement of objects, providing automatic control for various applications. 4.5 Industrial Automation In industrial automation, IR LED sources are mainly used in machine vision systems, temperature control systems, and optical communication systems. The machine vision system uses IR LED sources to emit infrared light and capture the image of the target object, providing valuable information for industrial production. The temperature control system uses IR LED sources to detect the temperature of the monitored object, ensuring the stability of the production process. The optical communication system uses IR LED sources to transmit data between devices, providing a high-speed and reliable communication solution.

5. Conclusion

In conclusion, the IR LED source has become an essential component in various fields due to its unique advantages, such as high efficiency, low power consumption, and wide application range. With the continuous advancement of technology, the performance and application of IR LED sources will continue to improve, bringing more benefits to society.