Advantages of SWIR Cameras for Surveillance

Most countries in the world have increased security measures at their borders, airports, and other points of entry. But the government isn't the only group stepping up surveillance. Businesses are also improving security. Companies are using short wave infrared (SWIR) cameras for their surveillance needs thanks to a number of advantages.

To understand SWIR, you may need to relearn how these wavelengths fit into the electromagnetic spectrum. The electromagnetic spectrum contains everything from radio waves to microwaves to gamma rays. It also includes visible light and short-wave infrared. SWIR cameras detect SWIR wavelengths rather than visible light.

Although scientists have known about infrared radiation since the 1800s, it has only been practically used in recent years due to the availability of indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) sensors. These sensors work in dark conditions and do not require a cooling system. InGaAs sensors can also be made small enough to fit in compact devices. They use very little power and are therefore very portable.

The scattering of sunlight in the atmosphere often results in a blue haze in distant scenes. Unlike visible light cameras, SWIR wavelengths are not scattered and can penetrate foggy or smoky conditions in long-range reconnaissance. SWIR wavelengths are also generally unaffected by thermal fog or changes in atmospheric temperature that plague thermal imagers.

SWIR cameras complement thermal imaging cameras to enhance vision or eliminate distractions, such as poor visibility due to bad weather. Interpreting scenarios with thermal systems can be difficult. Thermal cameras are great for detecting anomalies, but SWIR is better at helping identify what that object is.

Since no visible lighting is required, SWIR allows for covert surveillance. SWIR can also pick up lasers and beacons, making it an ideal surveillance method for spotting hidden structures or moving groups. Whether it's a national threat or a group of thieves, SWIR can easily detect the presence of evil intruders.

SWIR cameras can even help with biometrics. Natural and man-made materials appear in the SWIR portion of the spectrum. Human hair is reflective and white. But faux hair will appear dark. This allows security personnel to pay special attention to those who may be using prosthetics to disguise their appearance.

SWIR cameras also work well when imaging through the glass. This means that no special lenses are required and conventional, cost-effective visible light lenses can be used. Since the visible light lens already has a solid, hardened housing, SWIR image sensors are the best choice for minor modifications to existing surveillance installations.

The above briefly introduces the application of SWIR cameras in monitoring. If you want to customize infrared cameras or camera modules, please contact us.

JAVOL is a professional custom infrared imaging equipment manufacturer. Relying on multi-spectral high-sensitivity photoelectric sensor chips of advanced compound semiconductor materials, with deep learning AI algorithm as the engine, it integrates low-light night vision technology, infrared thermal imaging technology, short-wave infrared technology, etc. Spectral technology fusion technology, our company designs, develops and manufactures advanced imaging products and system solutions, which are widely used in machine vision, automatic driving, drone payloads, high-end manufacturing, medical diagnosis and other fields.