Clear chemical or material that will absorb or deflect IR?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the search for a clear or semi-clear chemical or material that can absorb or deflect infrared (IR) light specifically in the 890 - 910 nm wavelength range. Participants explore the potential applications of such materials, particularly in contexts where preventing the reflection of IR back to its source is desired.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the existence of a chemical or material that can absorb or deflect IR light in the specified wavelength range.
  • Another participant questions the context of the IR reflection, asking what the IR is being directed toward.
  • A further elaboration is provided regarding a scenario where a stationary source emits IR pulses towards a target object, with the aim of measuring distance based on reflection.
  • Participants discuss the possibility of using a coating or covering material that could absorb or deflect the IR pulse to prevent accurate distance measurement.
  • There is a mention of simple window glass not passing IR wavelengths, suggesting it may not be suitable for the intended purpose.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not reach a consensus, as participants express different aspects of the inquiry and seek clarification on the specific application and context of the IR light.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include the lack of specific examples of materials that meet the criteria, as well as the dependence on the definitions of "clear" and "semi-clear" in relation to the materials discussed.

Jirby
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Hello All,

I'm curious if there is some chemical or clear / semi-clear material that will absorb or deflect infra red light in the 890 - 910 nm range.

IR absorption would be ideal, but deflection should work as well.
The idea is to prevent reflection of IR back to it's source.

I hope this isn't too vague/broad of a question.
Thanks,
 
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Welcome to the PF. :smile:
Jirby said:
The idea is to prevent reflection of IR back to it's source.
Reflection off of what? What is the IR being directed toward?

Simple window glass generally does not pass IR wavelengths...
 
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Reflection off of what? What is the IR being directed toward?

Consider a stationary source emitting pulses of IR towards a metal or plastic object, with the intention of determining the distance between the source and target object.
In this case, distance is calculated by measuring the time it takes for a pulse to travel to the target and reflect back to the source.
The IR pulse would have a wavelength in the 890 - 910 nm range.
I'm wondering if there is an existing chemical or compound, with which one could coat the target object, or a material that could cover the target object that would absorb the incoming pulse or deflect it away from its source; effectively preventing the distance calculation.
Preferably this compound or material would be clear or at least mostly see-through.

 
anorlunda said:
Thank you for the links. I'd actually already looked at 2 of these before i posted, but they didn't have the answers I was looking for.
Perhaps I didn't sate my question with enough detail. I provided more info in a reply to Berkeman below.
Cheers!
 

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