Mar 3 2010
Sensors Unlimited - Goodrich ISR Systems introduces two cameras with advanced imaging enhancements that expand the dynamic range of short wave infrared (SWIR) imagery.
Due to several technological advances, the new indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) SWIR SU320KTX (320 x 240 pixel format with 40 micron pixel pitch) and the SU640KTSX (640 x 512 pixel format with 25 micron pixel pitch) cameras feature the unique ability to automatically compensate for variations in light levels that may differ by up to five orders of magnitude. This increase in dynamic range addresses the demand for improved imaging and surveillance in military, medical, and commercial applications.
Easy-to-integrate into mobile, handheld, or aerial surveillance systems, the SU320KTX and SU640KTSX models are compact, lightweight, and feature low power consumption. The simultaneous RS170 analog and 12-bit CameraLink® digital outputs provide easy plug-and-play video and high quality images for image processing or transmission. Most importantly, this SWIR technology provides a key advantage by detecting reflected light at wavelengths that the human eye cannot see, providing real-time daylight-to-low-light imaging. This makes these imagers ideal for surveillance, laser detection, emission microscopy, imaging spectroscopy, astronomy, and imaging through fog, dust and smoke. Sensors Unlimited’s new cameras provide the highest sensitivity available in the SWIR 0.9 to 1.7 micron spectrum. The optional NIR/SWIR models extend the range of operation down to 0.7 and up to 1.7 microns.
Building on the company’s solid-state, room-temperature FPA technology, the improved
InGaAs-SWIR cameras employ a new on-board automatic gain control (AGC) and adjustable
enhancement thresholds. The built-in non-uniformity corrections (NUCs) address the
challenges of urban night imaging without blooming. With proprietary dynamic range
enhancement technology and selectable contrast enhancement modes, these cameras image in
extremely low-light-level conditions to direct sun illumination, making them well-suited for
covert surveillance with passive 24/7 operation.