New SWIR Product Introduction

Sensors Unlimited, Inc. (SUI), a Raytheon Company, has unveiled two next-generation shortwave infrared (SWIR) imaging systems: the 1280JSX-10µm and the 640HSX2. The 1280JSX-10µm is a high-definition, ultra-low noise SWIR camera featuring a 10 µm pixel pitch Buffered Gate Modulated (BGMOD) architecture. This design offers improved modulation transfer function, reduced sensor area for smaller optics, and a 42% noise reduction compared to earlier models, enabling exceptional imaging in photon-starved environments. It supports frame rates from 60 fps full-frame to 9,092 fps with windowing.

The 640HSX2 builds on the 640HSX platform with 25 µm pixels and a new multi-channel high-speed digitizer, achieving 120 fps full-frame and up to 30,000 fps with reduced field-of-view. Its high sensitivity and dynamic range make it ideal for fast-moving target tracking, low-light surveillance, and high-speed industrial inspection.

Both cameras cover the 0.5–1.7 µm spectral range with ≥65% quantum efficiency and 100% fill factor. Target markets include defense (target acquisition, night vision), remote sensing (UAV/satellite imaging, atmospheric monitoring), industrial inspection (wafer analysis, defect detection), transportation (autonomous vehicle sensing, traffic monitoring), and scientific research.

Future development aims include pixel-level pulse detection for Time-of-Flight and laser pulse capture, as well as extending detection beyond SWIR into extended SWIR (up to 2.6 µm). These innovations reinforce SUI’s leadership in SWIR imaging by delivering performance enhancements tailored to evolving mission and market requirements.