Hearing Infrared Set up

 

Code Number: 5N30.50

Demo Title: Hearing Infrared

Condition: Good

Principle: Infrared Spectrum

Area of Study: Optics

Equipment: 

Remote Control with Infrared LED, Radio Shack Amplifier/Speaker, Solar Cell, and IR Filter.

Procedure:

Aim the remote control at the solar cell and listen to the pulses that are emitted.

An interesting demonstration is to aim the infrared remote control at the solar cell and hear the pulses and then insert the IR filter in front of the remote control to absorb the signal.

NOTE: The IR filter from a 35 mm projector seems to work best.

References:

  • Jennifer Birriel, "Digital Imaging of Infrared Light: Digging Deeper", TPT, Vol. 58, #2, Feb. 2020, p. 138.
  • Ernie McFarland and Tom Kehn, "Seeing Infrared", TPT, Vol. 38, #5, May 2000, p. 314.
  • James O'Connell, "Decoding the TV Remote Control", TPT, Vol. 38, #1, Jan. 2000, p. 6.
  • Harry Manos, "Hearing Infrared", TPT, Vol. 35, #9, Dec. 1997, p. 552.
  • Stanley J. Micklavzina, "Tricks with Invisible Light", Physics Education, Vol. 38, #6, Nov. 2003, p. 492.
  • Mark Davids, etc, "Pulse-Code Modulation", Teaching about Lightwave Communications, 1994, p. 3-28.
  • Rick Beyer, "Surfing Safari", The Greatest Science Never Told, p. 168.
  • Brian Jones and Matt Fackelman, "Remote Tones", Don't Forget the Duct Tape, p. 121 - 124.