Far infrared LED, also known as FIR LED, is a type of light-emitting diode that emits far infrared radiation. It is widely used in various fields such as medical treatment, health care, agriculture, and industrial automation. This article will introduce the far infrared LED industry, including its development history, working principle, application fields, market prospects, and challenges.

Development History of Far Infrared LED

The development of far infrared LED technology dates back to the 1960s. At that time, scientists discovered that far infrared radiation has a variety of physiological effects on the human body, such as promoting blood circulation, enhancing the immune system, and reducing inflammation. Based on this discovery, researchers began to explore the application of far infrared radiation in medical treatment and health care. In the 1970s, the first far infrared LED was developed, which marked the beginning of the far infrared LED industry.

Working Principle of Far Infrared LED

The working principle of far infrared LED is based on the photoelectric effect. When a forward voltage is applied to the diode, electrons and holes are generated in the semiconductor material. As the electrons move to the conduction band, they emit far infrared radiation when they recombine with holes. The energy of the emitted radiation is determined by the band gap of the semiconductor material. Generally, the band gap of far infrared LED is between 1.2 and 3.0 eV, which corresponds to the far infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Application Fields of Far Infrared LED

1. Medical Treatment: Far infrared LED is widely used in physical therapy, pain relief, and wound healing. The far infrared radiation can penetrate the skin and reach the deep tissues, promoting blood circulation and enhancing the immune system. 2. Health Care: Far infrared LED is used in health care products such as infrared saunas, infrared therapy mats, and infrared heating pads. These products can help people relax, improve sleep quality, and relieve muscle pain. 3. Agriculture: Far infrared LED can be used in agricultural applications such as seed germination, plant growth, and pest control. The far infrared radiation can improve the quality and yield of agricultural products. 4. Industrial Automation: Far infrared LED is used in industrial automation for non-contact temperature measurement, material detection, and process control. The far infrared radiation can be used to detect the temperature and surface condition of materials.

Market Prospects of Far Infrared LED

The global far infrared LED market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10% from 2020 to 2025. The growing demand for far infrared LED in medical treatment, health care, and agriculture is driving the market growth. Additionally, the increasing awareness of the health benefits of far infrared radiation is expected to further boost the market.

Challenges in the Far Infrared LED Industry

1. Cost: The cost of far infrared LED is relatively high compared to other types of LEDs. This can limit its application in some markets. 2. Efficiency: The efficiency of far infrared LED is lower than that of visible light LED. This means that more power is required to produce the same amount of light. 3. Quality Control: Ensuring the quality of far infrared LED products is challenging due to the complex manufacturing process. 4. Regulatory Hurdles: There are strict regulations on the use of far infrared radiation in medical and health care applications. Compliance with these regulations can be difficult for manufacturers.

Conclusion

Far infrared LED technology has a wide range of applications and is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years. However, the industry faces challenges such as high cost, low efficiency, and strict regulatory requirements. Overcoming these challenges will be crucial for the continued growth and development of the far infrared LED industry.