Introduction to IR LEDs

In the world of wireless technology, IR (infrared) is one of the most common, inexpensive, and easy to use modes of communication. You might have always wondered how a TV remote works. A TV remote uses IR LEDs to send out the signal. As the wavelength of light emitted from the IR LED is longer than the visible light, one can't see it with the naked eye. But, if you look through the camera of your mobile or any other camera, you can see the light beaming when you press any key on the remote. Let's first understand what an IR LED is and what the different applications of an IR LED are.

What is IR LED?

An IR (infrared) LED, also known as an IR (infrared) transmitter, transmits infrared waves in the range of 875 nm to 950 nm. Usually, IR LEDs are made up of gallium arsenide or aluminum gallium arsenide. The working principle of an IR LED is the same as we mentioned in the previous chapters. The longer lead of the LED is the anode and the shorter one is the cathode, as shown...