Infrared sensor has a frequency to activate it? I am trying to understand 2 sensors that I have here. One says that is "infrared sensor of 38kHz" and the other is "infrared optical reflexive sensor -> http://www.robosoftsystems.co.in/wikidocs/index.php?title=TCRT_5000_Reflective_Optical_Sensor"

I thought that infrared sensor would tell me if an infrared light is passing on it. Infrared light has a wavelenght, right? Can infrared light be emited in different frequencies? Or the frequency of infrared light is the same to all infrared lights?
The 38kHz sensor (such as the Vishay series e.g TSOP1838) are designed for use with IR remotes and IR barrier type applications. They are designed to work with IR emitters that oscillate the IR at 38Khz and additionally modulate that frequency with lower frequency pulses. The sensor (receiver) is designed to have high gain at 38Khz and demodulates the signal. The demodulated output signal pulses can be directly decoded by a microprocessor. The main benefit is reliable functioning even in disturbed ambient light thus protecting against uncontrolled output pulses.