Lens Question for Design of an Infrared Spotlight

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on designing an infrared spotlight to illuminate distant objects for visibility on an IP-enabled night vision camera. Key considerations include the use of LEDs with a 6-degree beam angle and the challenges of using plastic lenses due to their lack of IR transparency. Participants recommend sourcing narrow radiation angle LEDs from suppliers like Digikey and emphasize the importance of understanding the camera's sensitivity. The project aims to house the components in a PVC pipe under 2 meters long.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of infrared (IR) light and its properties
  • Familiarity with LED specifications, particularly beam angles
  • Knowledge of optical components and their material properties
  • Basic skills in soldering electronic components
NEXT STEPS
  • Research narrow beam angle LEDs suitable for infrared applications
  • Explore alternatives to plastic lenses for IR optics
  • Investigate the sensitivity specifications of various night vision cameras
  • Learn about housing designs for LED and optical components in compact formats
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for hobbyists, electronics enthusiasts, and engineers involved in infrared lighting projects, particularly those integrating night vision technology.

zlj06
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Hello All.

I'm working on a project to build an infrared spotlight which will hopefully light up a distant object so that I can see it on an IP enabled night vision camera. The lens problem seems very straight forward, but I could use some help. Per the attached diagram, I want to focus the light from an led (or cluster of LEDs) on an object that is 40m tall, 400m away. Ideally, I'd like the LEDs + Optics to be housed in a piece of PVC pipe less than 2m long. Whats the easiest way to do this with off the shelf cheap plastic lenses?

Thanks for the help...
 

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zlj06 said:
shelf cheap plastic lenses?
IR transparency and plastic are mutually exclusive.
 
I'm not an expert but I suspect you will need more power than that type of LED can produce. How sensitive is the camera? Perhaps start with that and work back?

Perhaps you could use LEDs that have a 6 degree beam angle? No optics needed then.
 
Bystander said:
IR transparency and plastic are mutually exclusive.

You might have to explain that. How do TV remote controls work if (at least some) plastic isn't IR transparent.
 
CWatters said:
You might have to explain that.
Just googled IR optics, and no plastic components.
 
zlj06 said:
Great call CW! That's a much easier solution. Digikey has some very narrow radiation angle LEDs, so I'll solder together a cluster of those first and give that a try. Thanks, Zach
Bystander said:
Just googled IR optics, and no plastic components.
The LED in question is in the near IR, at 850 nm. Aren't plastics typically transparent there?
 

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