Optical DIY Privacy Shades: Make Your Own IR-Blocking Sunglasses

  • Thread starter Thread starter phyduck
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Diy
Click For Summary
To create DIY privacy sunglasses that block infrared (IR) facial recognition from CCTV cameras, standard sunglass lenses need to be modified since they are typically transparent to infrared light. The goal is to use lenses that absorb IR light and frames that reflect IR while maintaining a matte appearance in the visible spectrum. Most CCTV IR emitters operate around 850-940nm, which is crucial for the design. The proposed DIY approach involves using consumer sunglasses, applying an IR reflective coating to the frames, and adding an IR absorbing film over the lenses. Suitable materials for these modifications are essential for effective performance, and resources like design articles can provide additional insights into potential solutions.
phyduck
Messages
3
Reaction score
1
TL;DR
I am looking to make a diy version of commercially available privacy sunglasses. The purpose of these glasses is to prevent cctv cameras from using IR facial recognition. Standard sunglass lenses are transparent to infrared.
I am looking to make a DIY version of commercially available privacy sunglasses. The purpose of these glasses is to prevent cctv cameras from using IR facial recognition.

Standard sunglass lenses are transparent to infrared. To circumvent this, the lenses have the ability to absorb IR light. Also, the frames have highly reflective infrared properties, while appearing matte/dull in the visible spectrum. I am guessing that since most cctv ir emitters produce light in the ~850/940nm range, this is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum at play here.

The commercially available options seem a bit pricey at over 150 USD a pair,, so I'm looking for a diy option. To do this I plan on taking consumer sunglasses and 1) spraying the frame with an IR reflective/invisible to humans coating and 2) placing an IR absorbing film over the lenses. Any ideas on what type of materials I am looking for?
 
Physics news on Phys.org