IR Optics For Automotive Night Vision And Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Poor visibility is a leading cause of traffic collisions worldwide, especially during night time hours and harsh weather conditions like fog, smoke, heavy rain and snow. Night vision systems are often used to provide increased vehicle and pedestrian safety, especially in these challenging conditions. Standard vision systems, using visible-light cameras, rely on light from the sun, or street lighting, limiting their use in low-lighting conditions. Thermal Imaging Night Vision Systems, in contrast, use the thermal energy (heat) emitted by all objects to allow for ‘sight’, even in complete darkness. This application note discusses the benefits of thermal sensors over standard vision systems in ADAS.