Exploring the IR Detector

To begin your investigations, use either a remote control or an LED which emits infrared light. Expose the card with the IR detecting material to a room light for a few minutes. Then activate the remote or increase the voltage on the LED. Describe what you see coming from the material.

Continue to expose the material to IR light for about one minute. Record any changes in the light emissions.

In a darkened room, expose the IR detector to an infrared lamp. This lamp emits very little visible light an a large amount of infrared light. The room should not have any light, save that coming from the IR lamp. Once you have exposed the card to intense IR be careful to keep it out of visible light. Then, hold the infrared detector card close to the activated remote control for about 10 seconds. Record your observations.

Now, allow some room light to fall on the card. Then, in a dark room expose the card to IR light from a remote control. Describe what happens.

Leave the IR light from the remote control on. Does the light from the card decrease with time.