Posted to News on 22nd Jun 2010, 12:28
Uncooled NIR camera with embedded digital signal processor
The new Xenics Bobcat-1.7-320 uncooled NIR camera is a compact, cost-effective device with an embedded digital signal processor that is claimed to be unique. This processor enables the camera to undertake intelligent, real-time image processing, plus the camera has a host of inspection and quality control applications that use both subsurface NIR inspection and thermal imaging capabilities. NIR imaging has applications in the semiconductor industry, waste sorting and food inspection, as well as on-line quality control, while thermal imaging provides quality control for thermal processes and thermography between 300 and 800degC.
Stemmer Imaging says the Xenics Bobcat-1.7-320 is an extremely versatile camera for industrial imaging applications. The highly sensitive InGaAs detector is suitable for low light levels and does not require cooling, hence power consumption is very low. If additional SWIR illumination is required, the Bobcat can be used in conjunction with light sources such as an eye-safe 1.55um laser.
Built-in digital signal processing, a PC connection via a standard Ethernet port, or optional CameraLink connections, coupled with the camera's compact size, mean that the Bobcat can be used in restrictive and challenging industrial environments. Standard C-Mount lenses and protective camera housings can be used. Each Bobcat is supplied with a graphical user interface that provides easy control of the camera and acquisition of images. Images and movies can be saved in various file formats.
NIR imaging provides information not available from visible spectrum imaging. This can range from sugar content in fruit, to low-level photon emissions caused by semiconductor grid defects, and absorption by plastic materials. NIR Imaging also enables features below the surface of an object to be viewed, so internal defects may be imaged; this creates new opportunities for inspecting product through, for example, plastic packaging. For thermal imaging applications, NIR radiation passes through glass for imaging, whereas glass is opaque to LWIR cameras. Because the Bobcat is less sensitive to emissivity changes, it is suitable for thermography measurements in the 300-800degC temperature range.
