High Power Infrared LEDs for Long-Range Detection, Automotive Safety (OMS, DMS), and Surveillance Applications

In a world increasingly driven by smart technology and automation, infrared (IR) illumination plays a critical role in enabling safer, smarter systems. From vehicle safety monitoring to industrial inspection and outdoor surveillance, high power IR LEDs deliver the precision and performance needed for advanced sensing and imaging applications.

This article takes a deep dive into what defines a high power IR LED, the key advantages they offer, real-world applications, and how suppliers like Brightek are pushing boundaries with innovative designs.

What Defines a High-Power Infrared LED?

A high power IR LED is typically defined by a radiant flux output of over 100mW, offering a concentrated and robust infrared light source for applications where visibility is limited or conventional light would disrupt the environment.

Designed for:

• Long-range detection in industrial, security, and automotive systems

• Wide-angle image capture for broader surveillance coverage

• High-resolution performance in low-light or no-light conditions
  
  

Key Performance Features:

• Low thermal resistance helps maintain stability during prolonged operation

• High ESD resistance, improving component reliability in critical systems
  
  

Common Wavelength Options:

• 850 nm – Offers peak radiant power, commonly used in industrial systems

• 940 nm – Invisible to the human eye, more user-friendly for automotive and consumer applications
  
  

According to Photonics.com, 850 nm and 940 nm are the most frequently used IR wavelengths in surveillance and biometric systems due to their optimal balance of power and invisibility.

Advantages of High Power IR LEDs

Longer Illumination Distance & Wider Use Cases

High power IR LEDs can cover significantly longer ranges compared to standard LEDs, making them ideal for large-scale environments such as:

• Warehouses

• Parking lots

• Outdoor perimeter security
  
  

They also play a critical role in industrial automation, where long-distance recognition and flaw detection are essential.

Enhanced Image Quality & Detection Accuracy

In dark or low-reflectivity environments, IR LEDs enhance sensor sensitivity, leading to sharper imaging and improved algorithm performance. This is crucial in applications like facial recognition, DMS (Driver Monitoring Systems), and industrial vision systems.

Space Efficiency & Simplified System Design

High power IR LEDs reduce the need for multiple low-power emitters, simplifying PCB layouts and minimizing optical design complexity. This leads to:

• Smaller footprint on circuit boards

• Less complicated optical assembly

• Lower overall system cost and easier maintenance

Brightek’s High Power IR LED Portfolio

As one of the trusted high power IR LED suppliers, Brightek offers a comprehensive range of high-performance products tailored to advanced industrial and automotive needs.

Wavelength Options:

• 850 nm and 940 nm – Covering both high-performance and human-invisible requirements
  
  

Package Types:

• 1616 package—1616 Series—the world’s smallest high-power IR LED, Compact Size: Only 1/4 the size of the IR LED 3838 series, ideal for space-constrained applications

• 3838 package – Mid-to-high power capacity for enhanced output
  

Optical Design Capabilities:

Brightek IR LED Solutions for Smart Surveillance and Cabin Monitoring

Brightek has developed proprietary off-axis IR LED optics designed for applications such as cabin monitoring systems and corner-mounted surveillance cameras. These solutions prevent common issues like wall reflections and screen overexposure, while also reducing overall system cost.

Brightek’s IR LED Actual Lighting Patterns

In many applications, conventional LEDs require reflectors or secondary lenses to redirect light to specific angles—adding design complexity and extra cost. This is especially problematic in corner-mounted surveillance cameras, where light directed toward walls can cause reflections, screen overexposure, and wasted energy. Off-axis LEDs solve these challenges by naturally redirecting light, enabling targeted illumination without additional optics and reducing system cost.

Brightek’s proprietary optics include:

• Symmetric beams for uniform lighting
  
  

• Off-axis optics for angled illumination, minimizing reflections and cost in applications like corner-mounted surveillance cameras.

• Asymmetric patterns that evenly illuminate wide surveillance areas
  
  

Beam Options:

• Dome lens
  
  

• Narrow beam
  
  

• Flat surface emission
  
  

• Asymmetric beam
  
  

Learn more: Brightek’s IR LED product catalog

Certifications & Reliability:

• AEC-Q102 automotive-grade certification
  
  

• IEC 62471 Eye Safety compliance
  
  

• Built-in low thermal resistance design ensures reliable long-term operation
  
  

Typical Applications of High Power IR LEDs

High power IR LEDs are vital components in a variety of intelligent systems. Common applications include:

• Automotive OMS / DMS: Monitor driver fatigue or passenger presence to enhance vehicle safety
  
  

• Industrial machine vision: Detect flaws, guide automation systems, and ensure product quality
  
  

• Smart home outdoor detectors: Provide discreet, motion-activated security lighting
  
  

• Surveillance cameras: Improve night-time visibility and enable precise facial recognition
  
  

• Perimeter alarm systems: Trigger real-time alerts based on accurate motion detection
  
  

Recommended High Power IR LED Models

▶ Power Flat LED 1616 130°

• Wavelength: 940 nm
  
  

• Radiant Flux: 1200 mW
  
  

• Size: 1.6 x 1.6 x 0.81 mm
  
  

• Power: Typ. 3W / Viewing Angle: 130°
  
  

• Ideal for: In-cabin OMS systems and large-area surveillance
  
  

• Key Feature: Extra-wide beam reduces blind spots

▶ Power Dome LED 1616 80°

• Wavelength: 940 nm
  
  

• Radiant Flux: 1400 mW
  
  

• Size: 1.6 x 1.6 x 1.7 mm
  
  

• Power: Typ. 3W / Viewing Angle: 80°
  
  

• Ideal for: Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS)
  
  

• Key Feature: Compact dome design fits tight spaces above the driver’s seat
  
  

Conclusion: Choosing the Right High Power IR LED for Your Application

As demand grows for smarter, more accurate sensing and surveillance solutions, high power IR LEDs are becoming indispensable across industries. Their ability to offer long-range performance, excellent image quality, and compact integration makes them a go-to option for designers and system integrators alike.

Whether you're developing an automotive safety system, industrial inspection device, or smart surveillance solution, selecting a trusted supplier with advanced design capabilities is key.

👉 Explore Brightek’s full portfolio of high power IR LEDs here.