Hey thank you for your replies,
I agree, the sharp IR sensors are over kill which is why I wondered what else was out there.
I found this pair (i think they will work together) but like the other ones i found i have no idea what distances can be achieved:
Phototransistor: http://www.maplin.co.uk/infrared-phototransistor-2252
Emitter: http://www.maplin.co.uk/high-power-infrared-emitting-diode-2253
another Emitter: http://www.maplin.co.uk/3mm-infrared-emitting-diode-48038
I'm looking for something that can transmit over about 80cm. Could this pair really do that, or would i need to boost it's signal or oscillate something and if so how would i go about doing this?!
sorry for the simple questions, I'm a noob and I'm getting no luck on google