NIR/SWIR Night Vision And Laser Detection Camera
Sensors Unlimited – A part of Collins Aerospace has launched a night vision and laser detection camera that can see from the near infrared (NIR) to the shortwave infrared (SWIR) portions of the light spectrum, beyond what traditional night vision goggles can see.
The camera, called NIR/SWIR, uses the company’s proprietary indium gallium arsenide-night vision (InGaAs-NV™) technology to detect and track a broad range of battlefield infrared lasers with heightened night and day time sensitivity.
New processing techniques have pushed capabilities of the NIR/SWIR camera to see light wavelengths from 0.7 microns to 1.7 microns, whereas traditional night vision cameras can detect wavelengths up to roughly 1.0 microns. NIR/SWIR’s expanded capabilities allow the end user to detect and track a wide range of military lasers including the covert eye-safe 1.5 micron laser, and to do so with a very small lightweight product. Because InGaAS-NV technology detects light, unlike today’s small thermal night vision cameras that detect heat signature, the NIR/SWIR camera provides exceptional clarity in both day and night use.
Presently available in small, lightweight camera packages with 320x256 or 640x512 resolution, the NIR/SWIR cameras are ideal for integration into night vision and laser detection systems on unmanned aerial or ground vehicles, rifle scopes, precision guided munitions, and hostile fire indicators. Potential industrial applications include machine vision to detect moisture, manufacturing imperfections, integrity of seals or joints, and other characteristics that affect product quality.