25 January 2011

Xenics launches Lynx SWIR line camera in US

Xenics nv of Leuven, Belgium, a manufacturer of infrared detectors and customized imaging solutions covering the spectrum from long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) to the visible (0.4–14µm), has launched its Lynx Series of high-speed, high-sensitivity short-wave infrared (SWIR) line-scan cameras for medical OCT and industrial inspection in the USA (where the firm operates from its new sales and support office in Beverly, near Boston, MA, established in January). Volume production will start in Q2/11.

Xenics will demonstrate Lynx and Gobi-640, as well as the latest upgrades of Cheetah-640CL and Xeva-2.5-320, in booths 8325 and 325, respectively, at next week’s SPIE BiOS/Photonics West 2011 events (22–27 January) in San Francisco, CA.

Xenics says that, with this latest strategic move targeting industrial and institutional domestic markets, it aims to broaden its position as a key player for IR line-scan cameras worldwide.

Based on Xenics’ line-scan sensor Xlin-1.7, the Lynx camera is part of a current trend driven by ever higher resolution demands from SWIR imaging communities. The firm says that Lynx has already gained substantial market share in the 0.9–1.7µm near-infrared realm for high-resolution InGaAs line-scan cameras – reaching far beyond the range of CCD or CMOS sensors. Claiming a breakthrough in simplification and cost reduction for non-destructive inspection, Xenics says that Lynx offers extremely high sensitivity and broad dynamic range for high-resolution industrial image processing, spectroscopy and medical OCT.

Lynx has three resolution options: 512, 1024 or 2048 line pixels. The Lynx 2048’s unique 12.5µm x 12.5µm rectangular pixel pitch is claimed to be the smallest available worldwide. The camera delivers extremely detail-rich signals, which up to now could be achieved only through complex multi-camera solutions.

The smaller sensor is beneficial for lower lens distortion, vignetting and lower-cost optics for the same FOV (field of view). Line rate goes up to 40kHz (1024-pixels) and 10kHz (2048-pixels).

Flexibility in signal processing is offered by five different read-out capacitors for up to 15 gain settings. The signal output is pre-processed in a specifically designed CMOS ROIC.

To further reduce dark current and improve signal-to-noise ratio, Lynx can be operated with standard thermoelectric (TE1) cooling in high-sensitivity mode of only a few e-/count, or in high-dynamic range mode with an optional TE3 cooler stage, allowing longer integration times. Small signals, such as in Raman or photoluminescence spectroscopy, are readily measured.

At Photonics West, Xenics is also highlighting the Gobi-640 high-resolution, uncooled thermal camera. A ‘smart thermal’ camera, its 640 x 480 pixels are realized in a compact yet complete system. Plug-and-play functionality enables flexibility via a user interface for camera control and the various temperature ranges covered. Operating in the 8–14µm wavelength range, the camera detects temperature differences as small as 0.05ºC. Xenics says that Gobi-640 readily fits into various industrial process control environments and is available with a variety of standard accessories.

In addition, the Cheetah-640CL camera is now available in a three-stage water-cooled upgrade version. The Cheetah-640CL TE3 offers high resolution, compact build and a dedicated low-noise InGaAs detector array for 0.9–1.7µm. The TE3 cooled sensor and the water-cooled camera head make the it highly sensitive, achieving ultra-low dark current characteristics at long integration times to operate at low light levels in the SWIR range, as needed in semiconductor failure analysis or luminescence spectroscopy.

Finally, the Xeva-2.5-320, a highly flexible SWIR camera operating at up to 2.5µm, is now available in a 200Hz upgrade version. The firm says that it delivers superior performance for reliable research tasks, allowing faster hyperspectral imaging at frame rates of 60, 100 or 200Hz.

“We are continuously devising IR products and solutions that are state-of-the-art, offering high resolution across the infrared realm and high sensitivity for applications at low light levels,” says founder & CEO Bob Grietens. “This positions us squarely in the very competitive hyperspectral, OCT and industrial machine vision markets,” he adds. “Highest flexibility in meeting user requirements is our specialty. This includes a broad range of applications support.”

Tags: Xenics SWIR camera

Visit: www.xenics.com