Purpose for Different Color (including UV and Infrared) LED's

hotfoot

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Re: Purpose for Different Color (including UV and Infrared) LED\'s

UV lights make excellent fake currency detectors. When shone on REAL currency, usually some sort of hidden marking will 'magically' appear. While everything else is dull purple under UV light, these markings glow somewhat, sometimes very prominently.

Infrared is useful for those using NVG(Night Vision Goggles) as these will enhance their use. I've also tried using an infrared Arc-AAA with my video cameras with teeny-weeny success. In total darkness, one of these will illuminate(to the camera only, not my naked eye) my face up to about a foot away. Very limited use unless you own NVGs or are doing some sort of experiment.

Go for the UVs first - they're fun and practical
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Purpose for Different Color (including UV and Infrared) LED\'s

I have a bunch of collected thoughts in my brain from reading this forum everyday, but do not have actual answers, so I will post some of my thoughts here, with the hope that someone more knowledgable than me can confirm them, or correct them.

I understand that the white LED's are not the "brightest" LED lights. It is another color, maybe "Green" or "Turquoise"? Or is it another color?

I think that in general, LED lights do a good job at retaining your "night vision eyes". What is the best color for retaining your night vision? I know that pilots use red lights. Again, is it that green or Turquoise? I would tend to think it would be blue, or maybe just the standard white LED.

What is the benifit of using an UV light other than for entertainment purposes?

What is the purpose of a Infrared light?

Thanks,
 
Re: Purpose for Different Color (including UV and Infrared) LED\'s

lets see regarding the night vision, both red and green have been used over the years and there's been some confusion over which is better. from what i understand, your eyes are far more sensitive to green light then red light, so while red light will screw up your night vision less, if you are using the same amount of light, green is better because you need far less of it. now that may mean a red photon is still better than the (quite bright) green ones for night vision retention, but theoretically the green is better. if you're really interested in this i can try to dig up a page with lots more information on it. i haven't gotten to play with uv leds yet but i'm thinking i will try to get one soon.

- Pete
 
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