Wangler's viper is one of many species of animals that see in infrared.
Infrared light is an invisible form of light characterized by a slightly lower wavelength than visible light. It occurs naturally in a wide variety of settings, but is particularly associated with the heat given off by living organisms -- hence its use in night vision systems. Most common lighting sources produce infrared light alongside visible light. Therefore, the most straightforward way to bathe an area with infrared lighting is to bathe it with conventional lighting and then apply filters that remove the visible light component.
Instructions
1. Replace all light bulbs in the space you want to light with infrared with as high-wattage bulbs as their respective fixtures will safely allow. You're going to be filtering out most of the light produced by your light bulbs, so you want to have as much raw power available to work with as possible. If unsure of the maximum safe wattage for a certain fixture, consult that fixture's documentation.
2. Create a series of infrared filters by lining up rows of unexposed, processed film negatives and gluing them together. Each infrared filter should be broad enough to cover the aperture of a single light.
3. Tape one infrared filter over the aperture of each recessed light bulb in the space you want to light with infrared. Seal any gaps that visible light is leaking out from with adhesive putty.
4. Fold an infrared filter into a cone shape for each exposed light bulb in the space you want to light with infrared. Secure these cones around the exposed light bulbs such that they resemble lampshades and block the light from the bulbs. Again, use your adhesive putty as needed to seal gaps.
5. Turn on the lighting, and you will find the room to be visibly dark but bathed in infrared. This would be an ideal time to experiment with night vision goggles, digital camcorders, or any other electronics you suspect may have infrared sensitivity.
Tags: visible light, with infrared, infrared filter, light bulbs, light with, light with infrared