Infrared Light Sources

Infrared LEDs

Single LEDs
Single through-hole LEDs are a cheap and easy way to create LED frames when making FTIR, DSI, and LED-LP MT setups. They require a knowledge in soldering and a little electrical wiring when constructing. LED calculators like here and here make it easy for people to figure out how to wire the LEDs up.
  • The most common through-hole 880nm IR LED used are the OSRAM SFH 485 P.
  • If you are trying to make a LCD FTIR, you will need brighter than normal IR LEDs, so these are probably your best bet.
  • The OSRAM SFH4550 850nm LEDs have a very narrow beam angle so they are really good for making LED-LP setups.
    • LED Ribbons
    The easiest solution for making LED frames instead of soldering a ton of through-hole LEDs, LED ribbons are FFC cables with surface mount IR LEDs already soldered on them as seen here. They come with an adhesive side that can be stuck into a frame and wrapped around a piece of acrylic with a continuous LED ribbon. All that is required is wrap and plug the ribbon into the power adapter and done.
  • The best quality ribbons can be found on the Peau Productions store here.

    • LED Emitters

    When making Rear DI or Front DI setups, pre-built IR emitters are much easier than soldering a ton of single through-hole LEDs together. For most Rear DI setups, you should buy either a 2 Bar Infrared LED Kit or a 4 Bar Infrared LED Kit, depending on the size and brightness needed for your setup.

    Infrared Lasers

    Infrared lasers are an easy and usually inexpensive way to create a MT setup using the LLP method. Most setups go with 4 or more lasers, positioned on the corners of the touch surface. When you have large screens, it's best to also include some lasers on the long sides. The laser wattage power rating (mW,W) is related to the brightness of the laser, so the more power the brighter the IR plane will be. The common wavelenghts to use are 780nm, 850nm 940nm as those are the wavelengths available from Aixiz, and sold on my store. Laser modules need to have line lenses on them to create a light plane. The 120 degree line lens is usually the common one used. You can check out the data sheet on an Aixiz 780nm laser here.

    *Safety when using lasers of any power is important, so excersize common sense and be mindful of where the laser beams are traveling. Laser safety glasses are also available.