Can a Red Plastic Cover Improve an IR Sensor Performance?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the impact of a red plastic cover on the performance of an IR sensor, specifically in the context of police laser detectors operating at 904 nanometers. It is established that a red plastic cover can enhance performance by acting as a filter, provided it has high transmission at the laser wavelength and lower transmission at other wavelengths. However, if the laser detector is already equipped with a narrow band filter, the addition of a red cover may yield marginal returns in performance improvement.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of infrared (IR) sensor technology
  • Knowledge of optical filters and their transmission properties
  • Familiarity with laser detection systems
  • Basic principles of signal-to-noise ratio in sensor performance
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of optical filters, specifically those that enhance IR sensor performance
  • Learn about the specifications and functionality of police laser detectors operating at 904 nanometers
  • Investigate the concept of signal-to-noise ratio and its relevance in sensor technology
  • Explore the effects of additional filtering on existing sensor systems
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for engineers and technicians working with infrared sensors, optical filter designers, and professionals involved in the development and optimization of laser detection systems.

Firefox123
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IR Detector Question...

If someone take an IR sensor and puts a red covered piece of plastic over the sensor...is that really going to significantly affect the performance?

A friend of mine has a laser detector for road use and it appears to have a red plastic cover over the IR sensor...

Police operate at 904 nanometers...is a red plastic cover really going to improve the performance of the IR sensor by acting as a type of "filter"?

I'm having a hard time believing this...
 
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If the filter has high transmission at the laser wavelength and lower transmission at other wavelengths, then yes. The filter will increase the signal to noise ratio of the detected radiation. Unless, of course, if the laser detector already has a narrow band filter, then adding another one has marginal returns.
 

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