When testing the infrared light emanating from a 780 nm laser diode unit removed from a CD player using the IRI 1400, interesting patterns will occur.

Required equipment

• IR laser: removed 780 nm laser diode unit with complete optic
• Laser safety goggles
• IR indicator: IRI 1400
• UV-A fluorescent lamp (e.g., a bill detector) or daylight source

Safety measures

• Laser radiation may cause irreversible eye damage! Never look into the beam directly! Wear appropriate laser safety goggles!
• Shortwave UV radiation decreases the life span of the indicator card and may harm eyes! Use UV absorbing sunglasses!

Preparation: Charging and positioning

1. Expose IRI 1400 to daylight or fluorescent light (normal or UV) prior to use (charge). The charging time depends on the intensity of the exciting light. Normally, it takes less than some seconds. Important is the blue and UV part of the charging light. Incandescent bulbs are inappropriate because of their high IR level. It would discharge the card simultaneously during charging.
2. Fix the card at approx. 5 - 10 cm from the lense surface of the optical scanner.

Realization: IR detection

1. Wear laser safety goggles.
2. Darken the room.
3. Start laser diode unit. After some seconds the active area of the IRI 1400 will show a sharp striped pattern. The distance between the stripes increases with the distance from the laser diode unit.