VIS-NIR Imaging (400-1000 nm)

NIR imaging systems featuring traditional silicon sensors typically cover the visible to near-infrared (VIS-NIR) spectrum (400-1000 nm), focusing more on the NIR range than a standard visible camera. This technology is rapidly increasing in popularity and is ideal for applications where imaging in the near-infrared is critical, but full infrared capabilities may not be necessary. In addition, they tend to offer better contrast and performance in low-light and outdoor conditions, such as fog, clouds, or smoke. Furthermore, they can capture unique reflectance or absorbance properties of many materials that are impossible to observe in the visible range. Some common application spaces include food sorting and inspection, medical diagnostics, agriculture, surveillance systems, and material analysis, where NIR imaging provides insights into chemical compositions or structural properties. It is essential to tailor the imaging system to achieve optimal performance by selecting lenses coated for this range and illumination sources that emit in the NIR. Filters can block undesired wavelength ranges, such as passing the NIR while blocking the visible or isolating a specific NIR wavelength. As this technology develops, demand for NIR imaging continues to increase.