SWIR Machine Vision Lenses

The Shortcut "SWIR" stands for "Short-Wave Infrared" and describes a range of the electromagnetic spectrum that lies between visible light and long-wave infrared. This range includes wavelengths of approximately 1,000 to 2,500 nanometers and is reflected or absorbed differently by various materials. SWIR technology is used in various applications such as industrial imaging to identify materials and detect properties such as moisture, density, temperature, and chemical composition using SWIR cameras and suitable industrial lenses. Special lenses can be used to capture SWIR radiation optimally. SWIR industrial cameras with their corresponding sensors and industrial lenses are commonly used for industrial imaging / machine vision to achieve high-resolution imaging in the range between the visible spectrum and the long-wave infrared. The SWIR radiation is reflected or absorbed differently by many materials, and can therefore be used for material identification and property detection. Some examples of SWIR technology applications include monitoring industrial processes, quality control of solar cells, and medical imaging. By using products such as SWIR cameras, SWIR lenses, and appropriate accessories, even the smallest details can be made visible, which could not be captured with conventional industrial cameras or lenses.

SWIR radiation can be used in a variety of applications including:

1. Imaging: SWIR industrial cameras can be used for night vision and occluded object detection as SWIR radiation can penetrate through smoke, fog and other atmospheric conditions.
2. Food inspection: SWIR radiation can be used to monitor food quality as it can detect specific properties of food composition such as moisture, fat and protein.
3. Identification of Minerals and Ores: SWIR radiation can be used to identify minerals and ores because it reflects or absorbs certain properties of minerals.
4. Medical imaging: SWIR radiation can be used for tissue imaging as it is able to detect tissue features such as blood vessels and cancer cells.
5. Solar cell quality control: SWIR radiation can cause It can be used to monitor the quality of solar cells as it can detect defects in the cells that are not visible in visible light.
6. Industrial Process Monitoring: SWIR radiation can be used to monitor industrial processes as it can detect changes in the chemical composition or temperature of materials.

Overall, SWIR radiation is a useful technology for material identification and property detection useful for various applications.

SWIR Lens comparison shots

To see results in the SWIR (Short Wave Infrared) range, you need suitable lighting that emits light in the SWIR spectrum. Here are some options you might consider:

It is important to note that the choice of lighting depends on the specific application. For example, if you are using a camera that is sensitive to the SWIR region, you may also need to use filters to isolate the spectrum you want and reduce noise. It is therefore recommended to consult with an expert in the field of SWIR illumination and imaging to achieve the best results.

What is focus shift and why does it occur?

When changing from SWIR to visible light, a so-called focus shift can occur, since the optical properties of materials can be different at different wavelengths. SWIR radiation generally has a greater penetration depth into materials than visible light and can therefore, under certain conditions, see "through" materials that are opaque to visible light. When a camera's focus is set at the SWIR wavelengths and then switched to visible light, the camera's focus can change as the visible light reflects or scatters off the surface of the material and therefore a may require different focus. When focus shift occurs, it may be necessary to manually or automatically adjust the camera's focus to get the best possible image.