Aetos™ 5-R Series eSWIR

Extended Shortwave Infrared (eSWIR), 5 µm Pixel Pitch Camera Core

The Aetos™ eSWIR 5-R series camera cores include the Aetos™ eSWIR VGA5-R (640×512) and Aetos™ eSWIR HD5-R (1280×1024), featuring the industry’s smallest eSWIR sensors made to enable the smallest of cryocooled infrared imaging systems. The Aetos™ eSWIR 5-R Series captures snapshot SWIR imagery using Attollo Engineering’s HOT Type-II Superlattice (T2SL) detector material, detecting in the wavelength band of 0.9 to 2.4 µm.

The extremely small pixel pitch of 5 µm enables more pixels on target with a short focal length optic, reducing overall sensor size. The camera core uses a rotary cooler for fast cooldown and high power efficiency. The eSWIR sensors are also capable of supporting broadband imaging along with day and night laser see-spot capabilities.

The camera cores are built for low SWaP applications and offer a significant opportunity for cost savings at the system level compared to competing eSWIR cameras. With a volume of 134 cm³ and weight of 221 grams, these rotary cooled cameras are ideal for small gimbal integration as well as use in SWaP-constrained handheld and soldier-carried systems.

The form factor and electronics of the Aetos™ eSWIR camera core is exactly the same as Attollo Engineering’s Griffin™ VGA5-R and Griffin™ HD5-R products. View the datasheet for the list of all the specifications.

Available for purchase.

Common Question with the eSWIR

What is the difference between eSWIR and SWIR?

The main difference between the two lies in the wavelength range they cover. SWIR typically refers to the range of wavelengths between 0.9 to 1.7 µm, while eSWIR extends this range to include wavelengths up to around 0.9 – 2.4 µm. This extended range in eSWIR enables the detection and analysis of a broader spectrum of materials and substances, often with enhanced sensitivity. Unlike conventional SWIR sensors, the eSWIR detector material requires cooling, so eSWIR cameras are build in vacuum dewars with a cryocooler.

Does the eSWIR and SWIR have the same capabilities?

Both eSWIR and SWIR operate in the shortwave infrared band, allowing them to capture images in low light and through atmospheric obscurants. However, eSWIR typically covers a broader wavelength range than traditional SWIR, enabling it to provide enhanced spectral information for improved material identification and discrimination in certain applications.

What type of degraded environments can the eSWIR see in?

The Aetos™ eSWIR camera is capable of performing well in various degraded environments. These include scenarios with low light conditions, such as nighttime or dimly lit areas, where eSWIR’s sensitivity to longer wavelengths allows it to capture images when visible light is insufficient. Additionally, Aetos™ eSWIR can penetrate through haze, fog, and smoke, making it effective in environments with reduced visibility due to atmospheric obscurants. Its ability to detect thermal emissions also allows it to operate effectively in scenarios where temperature differences are crucial for identification, such as locating heat-emitting objects or individuals in challenging conditions.

Can eSWIR see at night or in dark environments?

Th Aetos™ eSWIR camera relies on reflected light to ‘see,’ making it thrive in well-lit environments for optimal performance. It does not work well in complete darkness. This is in contrast to midwave infrared (MWIR) or longwave infrared (LWIR), which are very well suited to operating in complete darkness.

Detector Material	HOT Type-II Superlattice (T2SL)
Spectral Band	0.9 µm – 2.4 µm (Standard)
Sensor Size	VGA5-R: 640 x 512 HD5-R: 1280 x 1024
Pixel Pitch	5 µm
Operability	> 99.5%
Quantum Efficiency	> 65% (1.2-2.3 µm)
Frame Rate Options	VGA5-R: Typical: 30 Hz HD5-R: Typical: 30Hz VGA5-R: Max: 220 Hz HD5-R: Max: 60 Hz (HD720p)
Max Frame Rate	VGA5-R220 Hz HD5-R 60 Hz (HD720p)
Imaging Mode	Global shutter
Integration Time	VGA5-R: 0.1 uses –frame time less 4.5 msec HD5-R: 0.1 uses –frame time less 20.1 msec
Triggering	Sync-In and Sync-Out
Image Processing	Averaging Non-Uniformity Correction Bad Pixel Replacement AEC (Automatic Exposure Control) AGC (Automatic Gain Control) Histogram Equalization Convolutions Windowing Unsharp

Input Voltage	Camera: 5 V +/- 10%, Cooler: 12 V+/-10%
Power Dissipation	< 10 W cooldown, < 4.5 W steady state (23°C)
Video Output	Parallel CMOS, Camera Link, USB3
Command and Control	UART, I2C, SPI

Size (L x W x H)	8.6 cm x 4.2 x 4.6 cm
Weight	<221 grams
Cold Aperture Height	9.5 mm from FPA
Lens Mount	custom
Connector	50 pin HIROSE DF40-50

Aetos™ 5-R Series eSWIR

SPECIFICATIONS

Aetos™ 5-R eSWIR Camera Core (Preliminary)

ELECTRICAL

MECHANICAL

ENVIRONMENTAL

View Applications

SMALL GIMBALS AND SUAS

SOLDIER BORNE AND HANDHELD SYSTEMS

SECURITY AND SURVEILLANCE

IMAGE THROUGH ENVIROMENTAL OBSCURANTS

HYPERSPECTRAL IMAGING

MACHINE VISION

PRECISION AGRICULTURE

COVERT ILLUMINATED IMAGING

LASER DESIGNATOR IMAGING AND DECODE

Common Question with the eSWIR

What is the difference between eSWIR and SWIR?

Does the eSWIR and SWIR have the same capabilities?

What type of degraded environments can the eSWIR see in?

Can eSWIR see at night or in dark environments?

LOCATION

PHONE