Infrared Optics also referred to as IR optics, are heat absorbing filters. Infrared optics are designed to reflect or block mid-infrared wavelengths but allow visible light to pass. These types of optics are very often used in devices that have bright incandescent light bulbs, overhead projectors, for example; and are used to prevent unwanted heating.

Infrared optics filters are also used in solid state video cameras, and this is to block Infrared due to the high intensity of many camera sensors, to near infrared light. Infrared IR radiation is electromagnetic radiation whose wavelength is longer than that of visible light. Infrared optics are implemented in many industries, fabrication/welding and electronics being just two examples.

Other industries also served can include:

• Astronomy
• Microscopy
• Robotics
• Military/Tactical
• Spectroscopy
• Material research
• Imaging

Infrared or (IR) refers to electromagnetic radiation whose wavelength is longer than that of visible light, but shorter than that of terahertz radiation and microwaves.

The name infrared or infra comes from the Latin infra, meaning below, red being the colour of the longest wavelengths of visible light. IR light has a longer wavelength than that of red light.

Generally, objects emit infrared radiation across a spectrum of wavelengths. Only a specific region of the spectrum is of interest because sensors are designed only to collect radiation within a specific bandwidth. The result of this is that the infrared band is often subdivided into smaller sections.

Infrared filters can be manufactured from many different materials such as polysulfone plastic that blocks over 99% of the visible light spectrum from white light sources such as incandescent filament bulbs.

The unique makeup of the plastic allows for maximum heat resistance and durability. IR filters provide a more cost effective and time efficient solution over the standard bulb replacement alternative.

Infrared light is useful for observing the cores of active galaxies, which are often cloaked in dust and gas. Distant galaxies with a high red shift will have the peak portion of their spectrum shifted towards longer wavelengths, so they are more easily observed in the infrared.