An infrared device comprises a substrate (1). A configuration (3) for one of absorbing and emitting infrared radiation is supported by the substrate (1). The configuration (3) comprises an electrically conducting layer arrangement (31) of less than 50 nm thickness between dielectric layers (34,35). In addition, one or more of a thermal sensor (5) arranged for sensing the infrared radiation absorbed by the configuration (3), and a heater (7) arranged for heating the configuration (3) to emit the infrared radiation is supported by the substrate (1)