2023Exploring Midwave and Shortwave Detection Capabilities
The infrared spectrum encompasses a wide range of electromagnetic radiation, and within this spectrum, two distinct ranges known as Midwave Infrared (MWIR) and Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) offer unique capabilities for various applications. MWIR and SWIR detection technologies are instrumental in a multitude of fields, from military and surveillance to industrial and scientific research. By comparing and contrasting their detection capabilities, we can gain insights into the specific strengths and applications of each range within the infrared spectrum.
Figure 1: Electromagnetic Spectrum Illustrating Wavelength Range, from Edmunds Optics
Explore Typical Applications of a Griffin™ Midwave Infrared Camera Core:
Gas Leak Detection: Identify gas leaks using MWIR’s sensitivity to infrared signatures of gases, enhancing safety measures.
Precision Agriculture: By analyzing reflected MWIR radiation, farmers can assess crop health, monitor irrigation levels, detect diseases or pests, and optimize precision agriculture practices.
Microscopy: MWIR microscopy enables detailed analysis of small objects or structures, utilizing the unique thermal properties of materials.
Structural Non-Destructive Fatigue Assessment: MWIR cameras can identify thermal signatures related to structural fatigue, aiding engineers in evaluating the integrity of components over time.
Laser See-Spot: Visualize laser beams for alignment tasks or laser-guided systems.
Griffin™ Midwave Infrared (MWIR) excels in the following areas:
Attollo Engineering introduces a trio of Griffin™ Midwave Camera Cores, each unveiling unique capabilities:
Griffin™ HD8: This camera core boasts a resolution of 1280 x 720 and a pixel pitch of 8 µm. Weighing under 250 grams, it’s a testament to lightweight design.
Griffin™ VGA5-R and Griffin HD5-R: Forming the 5-R Series of Griffin™ MWIR camera cores, these models share a body weighing less than 221 grams and a pixel pitch of 5 µm. The Griffin™ VGA5-R presents a resolution of 640 x 512, while the Griffin™ HD5-R elevates it to 1280 x 1024.
Strategically engineered for low Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) scenarios, the Griffin™ 5-R Series MWIR Cores offer economic advantages. Seamlessly integrating into compact setups such as gimbal systems, handheld tools, and soldier-carried systems, they continue to redefine thermal imaging technology’s boundaries.
Griffin™ VGA5-R and Griffin™ HD5-R MWIR Camera Core
All three MWIR camera cores harness HOT Type-II Superlattice (T2SL) detector material, boasting features like a high-efficiency rotary cooler, rapid cooldown times, and energy conservation. Additionally, they facilitate extensive imaging across a broad spectrum, complemented by day/night laser see-spot capabilities.
Griffin™ HD8 MWIR Camera Core
Explore the Typical Applications of a Phoenix™ Shortwave Infrared Camera Core:
Observe Through Environmental Obscurants: Penetrate fog, smoke, and haze with Phoenix™ SWIR radiation for improved visibility in challenging settings.
Machine Vision: Elevate object detection and imaging with unique spectral characteristics using Phoenix™ SWIR cameras in machine vision applications.
Fire Fighting: Enhance visibility in smoke-filled environments to aid firefighters in navigation.
Range-Gate Imaging: Accurately determine object distances using SWIR cameras’ range-gate imaging capabilities.
Driver Vision Enhancement: Amplify driver vision in low-light conditions for heightened road safety.
Laser See-Spot: Visualize laser beams, aiding in alignment tasks or laser-guided systems.
Covert Illuminated Imaging: Capture covert illuminated images for security and surveillance purposes.
Phoenix™ Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) stands out with the following capabilities:
The Phoenix™ HD and Phoenix™ VGA models unite in a compact body, weighing a mere 32 grams. These SWIR cameras are a testament to ingenuity, hosting the industry’s smallest sensor.
Phoenix™ VGA boasts a resolution of 640 x 512, alongside a pixel pitch of 5 µm. Meanwhile, the Phoenix™ HD takes it a step further, attaining 1280 x 1024 resolution with the same 5 µm pixel pitch. Both models leverage high-performance InGaAs detector material.
Distinguished by an exceptionally small pixel pitch, the Phoenix™ HD and Phoenix™ VGA cater to low Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) applications. Their design opens doors to substantial cost-saving opportunities at the system level, surpassing rivaling SWIR cameras. These Phoenix™ SWIR cameras integrate seamlessly into compact setups, whether for small gimbal integration or essential components in low-SWaP handheld and soldier-mounted systems.
Phoenix™ VGA and Phoenix™ HD SWIR Camera Core
