why infrared light?

[Ricky]

Hi, I was just wondering: why is infrared light used for communications? I mean, why not ultraviolet or any other part of the light spectrum?


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Saludos,
Ricky

[hiredgoonz]

In fiber optics other parts of the "light spectrum" are used for communications...

The whole light concept is kind of egocentric for humans, since we can see only part of the electromagnetic spectrum we ascribe it a special significance...it's all just part of the electromagnetic spectrum...

Microwaves are used to transmit data as well as ELF, VLF, HF, VHF, UHF...

Each of these frequencies has their own special characteristics and uses, infrared is good for portable devices since it is relatively low energy (and therefore won't cook you like microwaves) and it is especially suited for short distance comms like in remote controls that won't interfere with stuff like air-traffic controllers...

So a short answer to your question is that we do use other parts of the electromagnetic spectrum and only a small part of it is what we call light...

[sea69]

First Class Answer !

was wondering who was gonna tackle this one ..heh

Reid must not have seen this yet..lol

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**puff**.. "Put that thing out boy.. the Sheriff's a comin'!!"



[This message has been edited by sea69 (edited 04-05-2001).]

[Reid]

I'd just add that some additional advantages of infrared LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) and detectors are:

Inexpensive
Low-current, low-voltage
Relatively immune to interference from visible light

I believe that ultraviolet LEDs were just developed in the last year or two.

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reido@my-deja.com

Friends don't let friends install Windows ME

[This message has been edited by Reid (edited 04-05-2001).]

[Paleo Pete]

I wasn't gonna touch it, I'm still tryin' to figure out how that little red light on the front of my guitar amp works. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

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So many idiots, and only six bullets...
Note: Please post your questions on the forums, not in my email.

Computer Information Links (http://www.geocities.com/paleopete/)

[Ricky]

Hey, thanks, everyone. I have been enlightened. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

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Saludos,
Ricky

[sea69]

hehe Pete.. tooooo funny

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*another 'toaster' bites the dust*



[This message has been edited by sea69 (edited 04-05-2001).]

[hiredgoonz]

And the microwave thing is why you should NEVER climb transmitting towers http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif