Infrared attenuating or blocking layer in optical proximity sensor

An optical proximity sensor, comprising:

• an infrared light emitter operably connected to and driven by a light emitter driving circuit;
• a light detector operably connected to and driven by a detector sensing circuit;
• a first component disposed over and covering at least portions of the light emitter and comprising first external surfaces thereof, and
• a second component disposed over and covering at least portions of the light detector and comprising second external surfaces thereof, the first and second components being separated at least partially by a gap disposed therebetween, the gap corresponding to a void of material;
• wherein the sensor is configured such that at least a first portion of light emitted by the light emitter passes through a portion of the first component, at least a second portion of the first portion of light reflected from an object of interest in proximity to the sensor passes through a portion of the second component for detection by the light detector, a layer of infrared attenuating or blocking material is disposed over at least portions of the first and second external surfaces located adjacent to the void of material, and the infrared attenuating or blocking material is configured to attenuate or block substantially the transmission of undesired direct, scattered or reflected infrared light between the light emitter and the light detector and thereby minimize optical crosstalk and interference between the light emitter and the light detector.