Short-wave Infrared (SWIR) is a subset of the infrared band in the electromagnetic spectrum, typically covering the wavelengths ranging from 900nm to 1700nm. This wavelength goes beyond the visible spectrum and as a result, for certain applications, can offer a better image than what is achievable with standard industrial cameras. This technology creates a powerful solution to numerous applications and differs from thermal imaging which relies on radiated photon detection.
Application benefiting from SWIR cameras would include;
- Imaging though fog/haze/atmosphere; fire, drizzle, gas/steam, atmospheric haze.
- Detecting foreign bodies/contaminants; clear separation of object types otherwise undefinable to a visible camera
- Water/moisture; highly absorbent in SWIR which means it will appear much darker than other liquid/objects in the scene
- Classification/detection of chemicals; chemicals absorb light in the SWIR range and so what may look a clear liquid in visible light, will have a defined gray-value in SWIR
Industries benefiting from this technology cover a wide remit, including Security/Surveillance, Food and Agriculture, Night Vision, Object/Material sorting, Textiles and more.