MiniCamera sees near-infrared

MARCH 19--The MiniCamera is a small, lightweight, high-resolution InGaAs video camera that can capture images in the near-infrared (NIR) wavelength band (900 to 1700 nm). Made by Sensors Unlimited Inc. (Princeton, NJ; www.sensorsinc.com), the camera targets such applications as laser-beam profiling, fiberoptic-component inspection, assembly and monitoring of optical switches, and semiconductor inspection, among others.

Says Greg Olsen, president of Sensors Unlimited, "The Minicamera's compact profile makes NIR imaging possible in systems where space or weight is an issue. It is also convenient for use on microscopes and laser-alignment stations." Adds Martin Ettenberg, imaging product manager and research scientist at Sensors Unlimited, "The MiniCamera is very sensitive to short-wavelength infrared, enabling users to image objects with very little light, Moreover, it is easy to operate and set up. You just plug into an outlet and a monitor. There are no special lenses needed."

The 5 x 6 x 9.5-cm solid-state MiniCamera weighs less than 350 g and comes with a 320 x 240-pixel resolution imager. It operates at room temperature, consumes less than 1.6 W, and has a 33-dB dynamic range. Other features include an RS-170 compatible analog output, a 12-bit RS-422 digital output, and a C-mount for lenses.