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An IR cut filter is a filter that blocks infrared light. It is often used in cameras to prevent infrared light from interfering with the image.IR light is invisible to the human eye, but it can be picked up by cameras. If an IR cut filter is not used, the camera may pick up a lot of infrared light, which can make the image look washed out or distorted. IR cut filters are also used in security cameras to prevent people from seeing the camera’s infrared light.
This is important because infrared light can be used to see in the dark, and people may not want to be seen by a camera in the dark.IR cut filters are typically made of a material such as silicon or germanium.They are usually very thin and can be easily installed on a camera.An IR-cut filter helps color CCD or CMOS cameras produce accurate color images by blocking infrared light while passing visible light.
This can be done through absorption or reflection optical techniques.Using a color camera to achieve realistic colors in white light requires an IR-cut filter because the color spectrum seen by the human eye is quite limited compared to the spectrum seen by a CCD camera.IR cut-off filters allow visible light to pass through while blocking infrared light.
There are two types of filters: absorptive and reflective. Absorptive filters are made with special optical glass that absorbs near infrared radiation. Reflective filters are made with a thin layer of metal that reflects infrared light away from the camera.
Infrared (IR) is also known as radiant energy. It is electromagnetic radiation that has longer wavelengths than visible light. Normally, human eyes can view light with a wavelength ranging between 320 nm – 760nm.The IR ranges between 700 nm to 1000 nm on the electromagnetic spectrum. It is far more than what a human eye can view – as only NIR cameras can capture images in this wavelength range.
IR-cut filter is a mechanical shutter design that blocks or delivers the IR – providing a high-quality image with true color reproduction – irrespective of day or night. Unlike human eyes, camera sensors can detect near IR light outside the range of the visible spectrum.
To make the image more similar to what humans can view, most OEM cameras are fitted with an IR-cut filter which allows only the visible light to pass through – thereby reflecting the unwanted IR.
This filter is controlled by a motor or with the help of an electromagnet.
When the IR filter is turned on during the daytime, it helps to block IR – letting only the visible light pass through.
This process is known as True Day Night (TDN) because it delivers true color images during the day and black and white or night vision images at night.
It ensures that the image colors are not disturbed and generates a true representation of colors – as seen naturally by the human eye.
When the IR filter is turned off during the night or in low-light conditions, it helps IR and other forms of light to reach the CCD/CMOS sensor.
The image sensor, in turn, absorbs enough light – and the camera turns to black-and-white mode, which is more sensitive to IR light.
An IR-cut filter can be used in devices with bright incandescent light bulbs to prevent unwanted heating.
The Global IR Cut Filter Market accounted for $XX Billion in 2023 and is anticipated to reach $XX Billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of XX% from 2024 to 2030.
Tokina, a Japanese optical manufacturer, is developing a hydrophilic filter coating that will allow photographers to continue shooting in wet conditions.
The coating forces water droplets to spread into a thin film so that they become invisible to the camera.
The coating is currently being applied to thick clear glass, but Tokina plans to add it to other filters if it proves successful.
The hydrophilic coating is applied on top of a photo catalytic layer that needs regular exposure to ultraviolet light.
On first use, the filter needs about four hours of sunlight to create the hydrophilic characteristic, but the effect is maintained for about 48 hours.
When the coating is active, the filter is easy to clean, but a build-up of dirt and dust can reduce its effectiveness.
The protector will be available in screw sizes from 77-127mm, and 4×4-inch and 4×5.65-inch sheets.
Tokina also plans to introduce a series of infrared-limiting neutral density filters in April 2015.
The filters will be available in screw and square formats, with strengths of ND0.3, 0.6, 0.9 and 1.2.
ND1.5, 1.8 and 2.1 models will arrive in September.
The filters will be available in 82-127 mm thread sizes, as well as 4×4-inch and 4×5.65-inch sheets.
Mr Itoh said he would consider bringing them out in a 77mm thread.
A variable ND filter will also be introduced in September, with a range of ND2.5-400 and sizes from 82-127mm.
Tokina also plans to release a combined neutral density and polariser filter with strengths from ND0.3-1.2.
