IR diode strong enough for night vision?

[Mohrenberg]

are there any IR diodes strong enough to light up a room when they are not collimated? for night vision......
was wondering if that would be an easy alternative than 50 ir LED's

 

[digital_blue]

IMO, you shouldn't be using a coherent light source for illumination of any sort... You can use a bare 808nm C-mount but I wouldn't risk my NV equipment or my eyes....

 

[Xplorer877]

The IR camera may detect a range of IR wavelengths better than one specific wavelength.

Plus you may get that speckling effect.

You don't have to use 50 IR LEDs just buy 3 IR star emitters from DX.
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.14061

-Tony

 

[Switch]

If you want long range illumination then maybe that would be the way to go.

 

[milantheone]

is infra red LED same dangerous as infra red LD????  :-/ i think that not but i would like to hear it from some real expert... : :

 

[digital_blue]

is infra red LED same dangerous as infra red LD????  :-/   i think that not but i would like to hear it from some real expert...  : :

LEDs are not coherent, Laser diodes are. LEDs can be dangerous if they are extremely high powered but generally don't post much risk...

 

[FireMyLaser]

Think of it as looking into a 3W white LED (or ~40W incandescent). Don't do it.

 

[Cyparagon]

We could also use 7,563 laser modules to light our homes, but that would be tedious and not very cost-effective.

Stick with LEDs.

 

[Benm]

You should be a bit careful using power IR leds especially with collimating optics, lenses and such - dont stare into them to see if they are actually working. It's usually possible to see the infamous dull red glow, but that is as dangerous as the uncollimated pump light from a green laser.

For night vision, stick with leds, not lasers, as they give more light for your dollar.