MARCH 18--Sensors Unlimited (Princeton, NJ;www.sensorsinc.com), a supplier of short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) cameras, near-infrared (NIR) detectors, and indium gallium arsenide technology, has announced the latest application for the SU320US-1.7RT InGaAs NIR Snapshot MicroCamera as payload on miniature unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other robotic systems. Because the MicroCamera weighs less than 70 grams and occupies less than 26 cm³ of space, it is ideal for use where size and weight are critical factors. The tiny, uncooled camera captures 320 x 256-pixel images in the SWIR waveband, from 900 to 1700 nm, with temporal control and sensitivity.
The high-resolution InGaAs imager is stabilized at room temperature and needs no field nonuniformity corrections. All-solid-state, with low power consumption, the NIR MicroCam is suited for covert surveillance, machine vision, fiberoptic component inspection, and free-space communications. For applications within the payload compartment of unmanned aerial or ground vehicles, the SWIR MicroCamera's 12-bit digital data interface is CameraLink compatible.
Both digital and analog outputs can be transmitted simultaneously for easy display on any RS170 or CCIR compatible monitor. The Snapshot MicroCam adapts to most commercially available video and digital frame grabber boards. Other imaging options on the miniature snapshot exposure focal plane array include advanced windowing functionality for high speed imaging and exposure timing as short as 129 microseconds.
Sensors Unlimited recently introduced a dual-wavelength, visible-SWIR version of this MicroCamera. It is also available in the same compact, miniature packaging for use in surveillance, robotic systems, UAVs, machine vision, and more.
