Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the ability to see infrared (IR) light emitted by TV remote controls, exploring personal experiences, perceptions, and the underlying physics of infrared visibility. Participants share anecdotes, raise questions about the nature of IR light, and discuss the implications of human sensitivity to different wavelengths.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Debate/contested
- Technical explanation
- Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- One participant describes seeing a faint glow from an IR LED on a remote control, suggesting it may be a sub-harmonic frequency, while another counters that it is likely the tail in the near-IR spectrum.
- There is mention of a previous thread discussing the visibility of IR light, and a participant recounts a conversation with an optoelectronics professor who dismissed the idea that some people can see IR.
- Concerns are raised about the potential dangers of viewing IR light, as human eyes are not sensitive to it, and it can cause damage in dark conditions.
- Some participants inquire whether different remotes emit light at varying frequencies and discuss the possibility of seeing red light from certain remotes.
- A debate arises regarding the definition of visible light, with one participant questioning if seeing IR would classify it as visible light, while others clarify that IR is a specific range of frequencies.
- Participants discuss the evolutionary aspect of sensitivity to IR and UV light, suggesting that genetic variations may lead to differing sensitivities in the population.
- One participant shares their experience of testing various remotes and confirms that the standard wavelength of IR LEDs is around 850 nm, while also expressing interest in testing different IR LEDs.
- Questions are raised about the effect of wearing glasses on the ability to see IR light, with some suggesting that certain coatings on glasses might impact visibility.
- A participant mentions using a video camera to confirm the visibility of the IR LED, noting that the camera detects it much more effectively than the human eye.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express a range of views on the visibility of IR light, with some asserting that certain individuals can see it while others challenge this notion. The discussion includes multiple competing perspectives on the nature of IR light and its perception, indicating that no consensus has been reached.
Contextual Notes
Some discussions involve assumptions about human sensitivity to different wavelengths and the implications of using various remote controls. There are also references to the potential dangers of viewing IR light, particularly in low-light conditions, without a clear resolution on the safety aspects.