Optimised SWIR Lenses for Material Sorting & Inspection

Resolve Optics has received several major orders for instrument optimised versions of its Model 363-000 – a 16mm diameter Short Wavelength Infrared (SWIR) lens for inspection and material sorting applications.

In contrast to Mid Wavelength Infrared (MWIR) and Long Wavelength Infrared (LWIR) light, which is emitted from an object, Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) is similar to visible light in that photons are reflected or absorbed by an object. Consequently, SWIR provides the strong contrast needed for high resolution imaging.

Mark Pontin, Managing Director of Resolve Optics commented “Using an off-the-shelf SWIR lens typically forces you to accept a compromise such as a reduction in optical performance or achievable resolution, a bulkier less attractive product, shorter product life and loss of competitive advantage – all of which ultimately lead to lower profitability. As a result, demand for custom versions of our Model 363-000 lens that exactly meet the needs of individual customer applications are rising dramatically. InGaAs sensors (Indium Gallium Arsenide) are a favoured detector for the SWIR region. Like all sensors, there is a move for higher and higher resolution InGaAs detectors. This trend is the major driving force behind the growth in demand for SWIR lenses that meet the demands of these new generation sensors. Many off-the-shelf SWIR lenses are in fact standard visible designs with AR coating designed for the SWIR band. These lenses do not account for the way the glass transmits in the SWIR region and as such the final image quality can often be compromised. This problem is particularly apparent with the higher resolution SWIR sensors”.

The design of the 16mm focal length Model 363-000 uses carefully selected glass types and AR coatings to ensure maximum transmission, colour correction and best image quality throughout the SWIR waveband. Operating at f/1.6, with less than 2 per cent geometric distortion, the Model 363 lens produces a clear crisp 12.8mm diameter image.

For further information on adapting the Model 363-000 SWIR lens to help optimise results from your material sorting application please visit https://www.resolveoptics.com/363-000-16mm-f1-2-swir-lens/ or contact Resolve Optics Ltd. on +44-1494-777100 / [email protected].

Drawing upon nearly 30 years experience – Resolve Optics has built a strong reputation for specialist lens design and manufacture of production quantities of lenses and optical products on time to strict quality and target price guidelines.