◆What is IR?

Objects generally emit infrared radiation across a spectrum of wavelengths, but only a specific region of the spectrum is of interest because sensors are usually designed only to collect radiation within a specific bandwidth. As a result, the infrared band is often subdivided into smaller sections.

CIE division scheme
The International Commission on Illumination (CIE) recommended the division of optical radiation into the following three bands:

IR-A: 700 nm-1400 nm
IR-B: 1400 nm-3000 nm
IR-C: 3000 nm-1 mm
There are five commonly used sub-division schems.

1.Near-infrared (NIR, IR-A DIN): 0.75-1.4 µm in wavelength, defined by the water absorption, and commonly used in fiber optic telecommunication because of low attenuation losses in the SiO2 glass (silica) medium. Image intensifiers are sensitive to this area of the spectrum. Examples include night vision devices such as night vision goggles.
2.Short-wavelength infrared (SWIR, IR-B DIN): 1.4-3 µm, water absorption increases significantly at 1,450 nm. The 1,530 to 1,560 nm range is the dominant spectral region for long-distance telecommunications.
3.Mid-wavelength infrared (MWIR, IR-C DIN) also called intermediate infrared (IIR): 3-8 µm. In guided missile technology the 3-5 µm portion of this band is the atmospheric window in which the homing heads of passive IR 'heat seeking' missiles are designed to work, homing on to the IR signature of the target aircraft, typically the jet engine exhaust plume.
4.Long-wavelength infrared (LWIR, IR-C DIN): 8-15 µm. This is the "thermal imaging" region, in which sensors can obtain a completely passive picture of the outside world based on thermal emissions only and requiring no external light or thermal source such as the sun, moon or infrared illuminator. Forward-looking infrared (FLIR) systems use this area of the spectrum. Sometimes also called the "far infrared."
5.Far infrared (FIR): 15-1,000 µm.

◆IS IR Bad?

Actually, IR is not that bad unless you stare into the laser beam for long, but certainly nobody wants to take chance with this potential danger to the eyes which is the only organ that "detect"s the laser beam after you paid dear for the it.

Infrared (IR) radiation is electromagnetic radiation whose wavelength is longer than that of visible light (400-700 nm), but shorter than that of terahertz radiation (100 µm - 1 mm) and microwaves (~30,000 µm). Infrared radiation spans roughly three orders of magnitude (750 nm and 100 µm). (See the laser safety goggles)

Infrared is dangerous because it is invisible to the human eye. Despite not being visible, IR rays can still pass through the anterior structures of the eye and reach the retina. Since human eyes are unable to detect IR, there will not be any blink or aversion reflex to protect your eyes from damage. This damage can be done even for modest power lasers without any immediate symptoms. Only later, will the damage become evident as your brain will initially fill in for the damaged receptors. As the cells in your eyes do not regenerate, you must be careful not to damage your eyes. .

As most DPSS green lasers are manufactured from 808nm IR diodes, an IR filter is required to block out excessive IR passing through the MCA crystals. However, to lower costs and cut prices, numerous manufacturers do not equip their lasers with IR filters. Although you are unaware of its presence, your eyes may be subject to excessive IR when you are working with these poorly made lasers.

◆Does the IR Filter in a Laser Pointer really matter?

IR Filter in a DPSS laser matters a lot but doesn't matter as much as most laser businessman hoot or boast. We see more than a few laser websites sell the low-cost portable lasers at much unacceptably HIGH Price at the Pretext that they just add IR Filter to each laser. A laser Pro knows that a IR Filter doesnot cost much.

Certainly, safety with high powered lasers is a critical issue that cannot be overlooked. Despite the lasers' brilliant beams and burning ability, high power laser pointers and portable lasers pose a great danger to human eyes. The danger that lasers represent to your eyes though is very serious. The visual receptors in your eyes are part of your central nervous system which means if your eyes are damaged, they do not heal or recover.

As far as the hyped power output as concerned, lmost aser pointers and portable lasers actually do not release that much power via the mere beam. Especially not when compared to a normal 75W or 100W light globe. What makes the laser beam much less dangerous is that it has two unique properties.

• Coherent and focused. The energy is focused on a very small area similar to the way a magnifying glass focuses the sun.
• Collimated. The light does not spread out from a laser, it stays in a focused narrow beam that makes lasers almost as dangerous at a distance as close up.

Therefore, you don't at least have to be afraid of lasers or avoid using them. Just be aware of their dangers and use them with more discretion and care. More importantly, there are some basic guidelines to ensure your safety.

◆Laser Safety Guidelines

1. Never point your laser at another person, especially their face.
2. Never under any circumstances look directly into the laser beam. Even if it is a low powered laser, you don't want to take chances with your eyes.
3. Always be conscious of and aware of reflective surfaces such as mirrors, polished metal or glass. A reflected beam can also harm your eyes.
4. Only use laser in a controlled environment.
5. Do not let other people use your laser unless they are fully aware of the dangers of lasers.
6. Laser beams can go for miles so never randomly use your laser outside.
7. Wear laser safety glasses if you are using your high power laser for dangerous applications.

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