IR Spectrum Basics and Infrared Communication Frequencies

This page covers the basics of the Infrared (IR) spectrum and provides an IR spectrum table listing frequencies used for Infrared Communication.

As the name suggests, “infrared” combines “infra” and “red.” It refers to light with a lower frequency or longer wavelength than red light.

Figure 1 shows the light spectrum, highlighting the IR spectrum space.

Infrared radiation is invisible electromagnetic energy. Its frequency range extends from 430 THz to 300 GHz. The IR spectrum is further subdivided into near-infrared (120THz-400THz), mid-infrared (30THz-120THz), and far-infrared (300GHz-30THz) bands.

Infrared-IR Spectrum Table

The following table details the wavelengths of common colors and the IR spectrum. LEDs and laser detectors are commonly used in IR-based products. The IR wavelength range is from 700 nm to 1 mm.