Guide
Choosing 850–950nm for NIR imaging and sensing
A quick reference for wavelength trade-offs when designing with infrared LED bare die chips.
| Wavelength | Notes |
|---|---|
| 850 nm | Highest sensor response in many NIR cameras; slight visible glow. Common for facial recognition, security, and vision. |
| 880–910 nm | Often paired for pulse oximetry and medical sensing; similar electrical characteristics across the family for easier swaps. |
| 940 nm | Reduced visible glow for covert designs; typically a small drop in sensor response vs 850 nm that teams validate in prototyping. |
Quick steps
- Check your sensor response curve around 850–950 nm.
- Decide how much visible glow is acceptable in your product.
- Prototype with two nearby wavelengths to confirm SNR and optics.
- Validate thermal and drive conditions against the datasheet.
850 nm vs 940 nm
For the most common camera trade-off (glow vs sensitivity), see our dedicated 850nm vs 940nm comparison guide.