See Infrared in Naked Eye | Tips & Techniques

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of whether it is possible to see infrared (IR) light with the naked eye, exploring various methods and materials that might enable this. Participants discuss the limitations of human vision in relation to the IR spectrum and propose alternative approaches, including the use of cameras and specialized materials.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that infrared is beyond the visible spectrum, making it impossible to see with the naked eye.
  • Others mention that while direct viewing of high levels of IR can damage the retina, certain materials and technologies can detect IR and convert it into a visible format.
  • One participant suggests using an IR card to visualize infrared, while expressing a desire to use special materials like composite glass or polymers.
  • There is mention of CCD cameras being capable of detecting IR, with some models allowing for the removal of IR filters to enhance detection.
  • Some participants argue that glass or plastic cannot shift IR wavelengths into the visible spectrum, while another counters that non-linear materials can convert IR photons into visible light photons.
  • Historical context is provided regarding older video cameras that could capture IR images, leading to the installation of IR filters in newer models to prevent this capability.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that infrared is not visible to the naked eye, but there are multiple competing views regarding the use of materials and technologies to detect or visualize IR light. The discussion remains unresolved on the feasibility of seeing IR through special materials.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the effectiveness of various methods and materials for detecting IR, and there are unresolved questions regarding the specific capabilities of different cameras and filters.

bomme08814
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How to see infrared...?

Does anybody know how to see infrared in naked eye,except digital camera, which means with glass or other material...??
 
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Your question is very vague- the IR spectrum is considerably broader than the visible, and is (for convenience) divided up into NIR (0.9-1.1 um), SWIR, MWIR (3-5 um), and LWIR (8-12 um). Some people go out even further. Detector materials for these different spectral regions vary: Si is ok for NIR, but MWIR and LWIR require InSb, PtSi, HgCdTe, or more exotic materials. Ge lenses are used in MWIR and LWIR applications.

Direct viewing of high levels of IR will (obviously) damage your retina since you don't have a blink reflex; so I am cautioning you to be careful.

I use a Nd:YAG laser in the lab, and some of my safety/alignment equipment is

http://www.kenteklaserstore.com/category.aspx?categoryID=11

And:

http://www.kenteklaserstore.com/category.aspx?categoryID=13
 


thank you so much for your answer...i appreciate that...now i can figure out what should i do...thanks
 


Short answer is 'no', it's beyond the visible spectrum so kind of by definition you can't see it with the naked eye.
 


xxChrisxx said:
Short answer is 'no', it's beyond the visible spectrum so kind of by definition you can't see it with the naked eye.


Actually no...but if we use some application such as IR card... we can see that...the question is...i want to see by using some special material such as composite glass or polymer...
 


bomme08814 said:
Actually no...but if we use some application such as IR card... we can see that...the question is...i want to see by using some special material such as composite glass or polymer...

You can't, question answered.

IR sensors, can detect the IR wavelengths THEN convert it to a convenient visual format. So they can do a false colour image within the visible spectrum. Out skin can detect IR radiation as it can feel heat.

You simply can't use a piece of glass because you are still 'seeing' in the visible spectrum. Nothing like glass/plastic or any type of filter can 'shift' the IR wavelengths into visible light.

You can use dyes that react to heat to 'see' IR radiation, but not a precise visual image.
 


xxChrisxx said:
You can't, question answered.

IR sensors, can detect the IR wavelengths THEN convert it to a convenient visual format. So they can do a false colour image within the visible spectrum. Out skin can detect IR radiation as it can feel heat.

You simply can't use a piece of glass because you are still 'seeing' in the visible spectrum. Nothing like glass/plastic or any type of filter can 'shift' the IR wavelengths into visible light.

You can use dyes that react to heat to 'see' IR radiation, but not a precise visual image.
i understand now...thanks chris... :redface:,
what do you think if i use CCD camera...?
i try to use CCD camera, but the camera does not detect the IR... i think the camera was using infrared filter.
 


bomme08814 said:
i understand now...thanks chris... :redface:,
what do you think if i use CCD camera...?
i try to use CCD camera, but the camera does not detect the IR... i think the camera was using infrared filter.

It's certainly possible to do with a CCD as they can detect IR, and some you can remove the ir filter.

I don't know anymore than that I'm afraid, someone round here will though.
 


Earlier models of video camera picked up in the IR range. There was a ferfuffle for a while since they could actually image right through people's clothes. Camera manufacturers took to installing IR filters in their camera to block this. But the filters can be removed.
 
  • #10


You can run towards it very fast ...? and use less punctuation!
 
  • #12


xxChrisxx said:
You simply can't use a piece of glass because you are still 'seeing' in the visible spectrum. Nothing like glass/plastic or any type of filter can 'shift' the IR wavelengths into visible light
Not strictly true, there are non-linear materials that can combine two long wavelength (IR) photons into one short wavelength (Visible) photon - it's how most high power blue and blue-green lasers work
 
  • #13


Here are cameras :

http://www.gentec-eo.com/en/products/beam-diagnostics.5.htm
 
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