High power infrared LED, also known as high power infrared light-emitting diode, is a kind of semiconductor light-emitting device that emits infrared light with high power output. With the rapid development of technology and the increasing demand for infrared applications, high power infrared LED has become an important component in various fields, such as infrared imaging, communication, and sensing. In this article, we will introduce the industry of high power infrared LED, including its development history, working principle, application fields, and future trends.

Development History of High Power Infrared LED

The development of high power infrared LED dates back to the 1950s, when the first infrared LED was invented. However, due to the limitations of materials and technology at that time, the power output of infrared LED was relatively low. In the 1980s, with the development of epitaxial technology and semiconductor materials, the power output of infrared LED began to rise. The 1990s witnessed the rapid development of high power infrared LED technology, with the power output reaching several watts. In the 21st century, with the continuous optimization of materials and technology, high power infrared LED has entered a new stage of development, with power output exceeding 100 watts.

Working Principle of High Power Infrared LED

High power infrared LED works based on the principle of semiconductor physics. When a forward bias voltage is applied to the PN junction of the semiconductor material, electrons and holes are generated due to the recombination of electrons and holes. During the recombination process, a part of the energy is released in the form of infrared light. The power output of the LED is determined by the number of recombination events and the energy released during the recombination process. To improve the power output of high power infrared LED, the following factors need to be considered:

• Optimization of semiconductor materials: The choice of semiconductor materials directly affects the power output and efficiency of the LED. High-quality materials with high optical and electrical properties are required.
• Optimization of epitaxial structure: The epitaxial structure is the core of the LED, which determines the internal quantum efficiency and light extraction efficiency of the LED.
• Optimization of thermal management: High power infrared LED generates a large amount of heat during operation, which requires effective heat dissipation to ensure the stability and reliability of the LED.
• Optimization of packaging technology: High power infrared LED packaging technology is critical to improve the light extraction efficiency and service life of the LED.

Application Fields of High Power Infrared LED

High power infrared LED has a wide range of application fields due to its excellent performance. The main application fields include:

• Infrared Imaging: High power infrared LED is widely used in infrared cameras, thermal imaging equipment, and other infrared imaging systems. It can realize night vision, thermal imaging, and other functions.
• Communication: High power infrared LED can be used as a light communication module in short-range communication systems. It has advantages of low cost, high data transmission rate, and strong anti-interference ability.
• Sensing: High power infrared LED can be used as a light sensor in various sensing applications, such as distance measurement, gesture recognition, and human-computer interaction.
• Medical Treatment: High power infrared LED has a certain therapeutic effect on human body, such as promoting blood circulation, relieving muscle pain, and improving sleep quality. It can be used in infrared therapy equipment and other medical treatment fields.

Future Trends of High Power Infrared LED Industry

With the continuous advancement of technology, the high power infrared LED industry is expected to develop in the following aspects:

• Material Innovation: The development of new materials, such as III-nitride materials, will further improve the performance of high power infrared LED, such as emission wavelength, power output, and efficiency.
• Structure Innovation: The optimization of epitaxial structure and internal structure will improve the internal quantum efficiency and light extraction efficiency of high power infrared LED.
• Thermal Management Innovation: The development of new thermal management technologies will effectively solve the heat dissipation problem of high power infrared LED, ensuring its stable operation.
• Application Expansion: High power infrared LED will be more widely used in various fields, such as smart home, smart city, and new energy vehicles.

In conclusion, high power infrared LED has a broad market prospect and development space. With the continuous innovation of technology and the expansion of application fields, high power infrared LED will play a more important role in the future.