Can phone cameras module see infrared

With the increasing functionalities of mobile phones, people’s expectations with regards to mobile phone cameras are also getting higher and higher. The photo feature is one of the basic functions some have, while others for example night vision shooting have started gaining interest. At this point, people began to wonder if mobile phones were able to see infrared rays. 

Basic principles of mobile phone cameras
An average mobile phone camera consists of three essential components: a lens, an image sensor, and a processing chip. A lens allows light to come in while an image sensor converts the light into electrical signals which the processing chip uses to create photos or videos. The majority of mobile phone cameras are equipped with image sensors based on CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) technology. These sensors are particularly prone to visible light but somewhat ignore infrared light.

Properties of infrared rays
Infrared rays have a longer wavelength than that of visible light, and are situated beyond the red border of the visible spectrum. A direct observation of infrared rays is impossible with the naked eye, but rather, they can be perceived after being captured with a specific device. Infrared imaging technology has a rather specific role in certain areas such as thermal imaging and night vision. 

Infrared rays and the cameras of mobile devices 
Defaul setting performance: Under defaul settings, most mobile phone cameras do not have the ability to capture infrared rays. The reason is that the mobile phone camera is made to generate pictures and videos greatly by capturing visible light. Mobile phone cameras therefore employ an infrared filter in front of the camera lens so that the effect of infrared on imaging is mitigated, which can effectively reduce the amount of infrared radiation reaching the image sensor and thus improving the quality of the images produced.

In some very special ways, some cell phone cameras could possibly capture infrared images. For instance, any cellphone’s infrared filter could be removed or substituted with another to make the cellphone’s camera sensitive to infrared. However, such an operation needs some level of expertise and might interfere with how the mobile phone functions. One the other hand, there are some service providers who specialize in modifying phones for the purpose of infrared photography and while those services are available on the market they are not meant for the average consumer. 

But how does one go about determining whether this is true? A set up for this experiment is simple enough. First one would need an infrared transmitting device like a remote control device for instance. Then one would point the remote control device at the camera of the cellphone and press any key like the volume key for example. If the mobile phone screen shows some flashing light spot then it means that indeed the camera is able to capture infrared rays. It is crucial to remember that this is not due to any device standard design but is caused by the presence of a photosensitive element in the camera which has a sensitivity to infrared rays.

Sinoseen's Product Introduction
Should you have special requirements for infrared imagers, Sinoseen is able to offer you bespoke camera module solutions. Sinoseen is one of the foremost camera module producers based in China and has extensive R&D and technological assets and is capable of customizing any types of USB, MIPI and DVP interface camera modules as per specified requirements of the customers. Whether in industrial inspection, medical imaging or security monitoring, let Sinoseen find for you the most suitable solution.

We are focused on providing our customers with reasonable prices combined with the highest standards of quality. Our camera modules are subject to an elaborate quality control assessment so that each and every product is in line with customer requirements. Those interested in high quality camera modules are kindly invited to check our products information and services we provide.

Even though the majority of cell phone cameras, when set up in a default setting, do not have the inbuilt functionality of capturing infrared rays, this feature can indeed be achieved by applying some means. However, for more professional purposes, it will be more appropriate to select a specially built infrared camera module. Sinoseen being a professional camera module manufacturer will be the right partner as we provide unique solutions aimed at ensuring success for your project.