The IR LED (Infrared Light-Emitting Diode) is a SSL (Solid State Lighting) type of LED diode that sends out the light with a longer wavelengths than visible light. It's commonly used in conjunction with the IR receiver to support a wireless communication between 2 or more devices. The infrared light is an electromagnetic radiation with the wave length in the range between 700 nm to 1mm. IR diodes are especially useful for an electronic industry and machine to machine communication.
Uses for IR LEDS:
Remote controls
TVs
Climate control systems
Audio equipment
Cameras
Lighting equipment
Night vision cameras
Types of IR LEDs categorised by the wavelength:
808 nm – suitable for medical treatments, space optical communication, infrared illumination
830 nm – suitable for automated card reader systems
850 nm – suitable for night vision cameras, CCTV monitoring systems, digital photography
940 nm – suitable for remote controllers