How to See Invisible Infra-Red Light

Have you ever wanted to see something invisible? That's a bit of an oxymoron isn't it? However, it is possible and I'll show you how.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A remote control
• Webcam or
• Camera Phone or
• Digital Camera (Digital necessary)

1. 
   Mac Book Pro remote

   Start up your webcam, or turn on your digital or mobile phone camera, and get a remote control. Here I've chosen the remote for my Mac.

2. 
   Aiming the remote at the camera.

   Aim the remote at the digital camera of your choice. Remember a normal (35mm film) camera will not work, or any camera with film for that matter.

3. 
   Infra-red Light becomes visible!

   Press a button and you will see a burst of infra-red light suddenly pop up on the monitor or view screen! You will not be able to see it in real life, however.
   You are now seeing invisible infra-red ( redder than red) light!

4. Why does this happen? The CCD chip that pics up light in your webcam/digital camera/ camera phone are naturally sensitive to infra-red light.
   At my blog I have images of a webcam I converted to pick up mostly IR light http://polymathengineering.blogspot.com
   As of yet I haven't written a "how to" article yet, but I will in the near future when I have some pictures :).

Resources

• Infra-red webcam pics.

[ALLinRueThyme]

on 12/1/2008 Oh Okay NOW I get it! lol 5 stars

[Butterfli]

on 11/5/2008 Interesting article. Thanks!