When setting IFS to split on newlines, why is it necessary to include a backspace?

Question

I\'m curious as to why the backspace is necessary when setting IFS to split on newlines like this:

IFS=$(echo -en \"\\n\\b\")

Why can I not

Answer 1

I just remembered the easiest way. Tested with bash on debian wheezy.

IFS="
"

no kidding :)