Most proximity detector use infrared. I think you can use a simple LED if your range is just 1 inch, but for a 1 m range a simple LED has poor illumination to reach 1 m eventhough you'll use super bright LED's. Besides you can't use your proximity detector on well lit environment because it will false trigger your sensor once it sense light. That is why infrared LEDs are very much recommended then you just have to use filter at the receiver so that it will not pass astray light that cause false triggering.
if you want I can send you a simple transmitter and receiver circuit using infrared.
I think Led will not work beter for a distance of 1 m in ur proximity detector
U have to use infrared LED for this purpose because it workds well for a larger distances . So i suggest u go for infrared LED
A red, infrared or any color led will easily reach 1 metre away.
Proper lensing is the answer if narrow beam is wanted, or for narrow field of view detection.
Pulsed modulation is the answer if other ambient light rejection is wanted.
Don't say you can not see a led lit at 20 metres away...
Where do the 'sophisticated' opinion and 'an infrared works well for larger distances' have any basis ?
Miguel
Yeah, I agree with 'electronXwork'. Even with a super-high-intensity led it would not work and only create frustration. 1m (3feet) is alot of distance but infrared has no problems covering that distance. A infrared diode is not a laser diode, I just mention it to be sure, as I don't know your electronics 'comfort' level.
Can you use infrared?