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.
New Imaging Technology (NIT) offer a unique range of SWIR cameras with inGaAs sensors (Indium gallium arsenide) The NIT WiDy – Wide Dynamic SWIR Camera Series – covers a wide wavelength range from 900nm to 1700nm. All cameras are supplied with application software enabling live image acquisition, Raw and AVI video recordings and ease-of-use camera synchronisation. Combine with world leading image processing software , MVTec’s HALCON, to create powerful automation solutions.
Take a look at our range of SWIR cameras
To learn more about Short Wave Infrared cameras and the vast array of applications they can be used in, visit the New Imaging Technology Applications area.