Shifting from IR to visible spectrum - Help pls

In summary: Some lasers use KDP crystals to double IR (usually 1064nm YAG) to green (532nm). This process is done with a highly coherent beam of high energy and a strongly birefringent crystal, so that you can get phase matching. This isn't something that can be done without the correct set up and isn't something that will work to convert stray IR to a visible wavelength.
  • #1
dybleah
1
0
Hi,

I'm trying to think up a way to shift IR rays into visible light spectrum so that the human eye can effectively see the IR image. Is it possible to do such a feat with something as simple as goggles made from a special material (e.g. anti-stokes pigments)??

If not possible with such simple devices, what is actually the most portable way of doing such a shift to visible light?? (something like night-vision goggles are too expensive and complicated... something more spartan) =D

Thanks!
 
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  • #2
It's generally not possible. Firstly the coating wouldn't preserve the direction of the photon it would re-emit into 4pi so you could detect a glow but not see the image.
Then the efficency of these conversions are very-very low, you aren't going to get a naked eye signal out unless you are viewing a very bright IR source.

There are dyes which you can excite with a UV/Visible preflash and then they sit in a metastable state until an IR photon comes along and they decay.
They used to be coated on CCDs to make (poor) ID detectors.

What kind of infrared (what temperature source and how bright) do you want to see?
 
  • #4
dybleah said:
Hi,

I'm trying to think up a way to shift IR rays into visible light spectrum so that the human eye can effectively see the IR image. Is it possible to do such a feat with something as simple as goggles made from a special material (e.g. anti-stokes pigments)??

If not possible with such simple devices, what is actually the most portable way of doing such a shift to visible light?? (something like night-vision goggles are too expensive and complicated... something more spartan) =D

Thanks!
People do this all the time. You want to create a visible image of the IR information? There are a lot of ways to pull this off. They are not always really accurate visual translations, but if all you want to do is target and kill somebody, the systems are already highly developed.
 
  • #5
dybleah said:
Hi,

I'm trying to think up a way to shift IR rays into visible light spectrum so that the human eye can effectively see the IR image. Is it possible to do such a feat with something as simple as goggles made from a special material (e.g. anti-stokes pigments)??

If not possible with such simple devices, what is actually the most portable way of doing such a shift to visible light?? (something like night-vision goggles are too expensive and complicated... something more spartan) =D

Thanks!

in my impression, someone use parameter-up conversion to do this
 
  • #6
wdlang said:
in my impression, someone use parameter-up conversion to do this
laser viewing cards use dyes pumped by the uv in sunlight, http://www.cascadelaser.com/ircards.html but they aren't what you would call sensitive.

Some lasers use KDP (Potassium Dideuterium Phosphate) crystals to double IR (usually 1064nm YAG) to green (532nm)
 
  • #7
While you can use non-linear optics to double or even sum wavelengths you need a highly coherent beam of high energy(ie laser) with a strongly birefringent crystal so that you can get phase matching. Not something that can be done without the correct set up and not something that will work to convert stray IR to a visible wavelength.

Just didn't want anyone to get the wrong idea:)
 

1. What is the difference between IR and visible spectrum?

The main difference between IR (infrared) and visible spectrum is the wavelength of the light. IR light has a longer wavelength and is not visible to the human eye, while visible light has a shorter wavelength and is the light that we can see.

2. Why would someone want to shift from IR to visible spectrum?

There are several reasons why someone may want to shift from IR to visible spectrum. One reason is that visible light is more easily detectable by the human eye, making it useful for applications such as photography and color analysis. Another reason is that IR light can be harmful to human health in high doses, so shifting to visible light can be a safer option.

3. How can I shift from IR to visible spectrum?

The most common way to shift from IR to visible spectrum is by using a filter. This filter blocks out the IR light and only allows visible light to pass through. Another method is to use a sensor that can detect both IR and visible light and then convert the IR light into visible light using a technology called upconversion.

4. Are there any limitations to shifting from IR to visible spectrum?

Yes, there are some limitations to shifting from IR to visible spectrum. The main limitation is that not all IR light can be converted into visible light, so some information may be lost in the process. Additionally, the conversion process can be costly and may not be feasible for all applications.

5. What are some potential applications for shifting from IR to visible spectrum?

Shifting from IR to visible spectrum has many potential applications, including night vision, medical imaging, and security cameras. It can also be useful in scientific research, such as studying the properties of materials or detecting pollutants in the environment.

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