IRsensorit

IRsensorit, commonly referred to as infrared sensors, are devices that detect infrared radiation emitted by objects or scenes. They are used to measure temperature, detect motion, determine distance, or identify chemical fingerprints. Most IRsensorit respond to wavelengths from about 0.75 to 14 micrometers; specific devices cover narrower bands. Detection usually involves converting incident IR into an electrical signal using components such as photodiodes, thermopiles, bolometers, or pyroelectric elements.

Two broad classes exist. Active IR sensors emit infrared light and sense its reflection, widely used for proximity sensing, presence detection, and short-range positioning. Passive IR sensors detect changes in ambient infrared radiation, typically used for motion detection in security and automation systems. Common technologies include PIN or avalanche photodiodes for near-IR, bolometers and pyroelectric sensors for thermal or motion sensing, and microbolometers for thermal imaging.

Applications span consumer electronics (remote controls, thermal or temperature sensing devices), security and surveillance (motion detectors), automotive systems (occupant detection, night vision support), industrial automation, medical devices, and scientific instrumentation.

Key considerations include spectral sensitivity, response time, noise and drift, environmental conditions, field of view, and power consumption. Calibration and shielding from ambient light are important for accuracy. Ongoing developments focus on smaller, lower-cost sensor chips, improved sensitivity and drift performance, integrated signal processing, and sensor arrays for higher-resolution imaging or sensing tasks such as LIDAR-related applications.