The Infrared Viewers are offered in various versions with spectral responses that cover anywhere from 350 nm up to 2000 nm.

Applications for these IR viewers include laser beam alignment, optical fiber alignment, semiconductor inspection, fluorescence, IR luminescence, thermal imaging, night vision, and photo processing.

Typically, the sensitivity of the IR viewer quickly is reduced starting from 1300 nm. However, it is possible to observe low intensity IR beam with proper viewing conditions, such as the spectral filtration, reduced external background noise, short distance of observation, the use of a metallic surface for viewing the IR reflective radiation (instead of a paper material, which has high absorption in IR).

The approximate minimal power densities, required for the viewing of infrared laser beam at one meter distance, are as follows:

• 3 mW/cm² for 1.5 µm
• 50 mW/cm² for 1.7 µm 
• 180mW/cm² for 1.8 µm
• 1 W/cm² for 1.9 µm 
• 2 W/cm² for 2.0 µm

Each IRV3 unit is tested against our defined black dot pattern and disqualified if it fails to perform its core alignment function. We recommend using these devices in a low-light environment (<50 lux), considering that a typical room is ~200 lux. This technology originates from night vision applications, so it should be tested and used in similar lighting conditions. Furthermore, sensitive photocathode materials degrade faster when exposed to bright light, whether powered on or not.