Raptor Photonics Develops SWIR & EMCCD Cameras for UAVs & UGVs

Raptor Photonics, a leading developer of SWIR (short-wave infrared) and EMCCD camera technologies for low-light imaging and surveillance, has partnered with Unmanned Systems Technology (“UST”) to demonstrate their expertise in this field. The ‘Platinum’ profile highlights how their rugged, SWaP-optimised imaging solutions can be used for UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), UGVs (unmanned ground vehicles) and other robotic platforms, including LEO cubesats.

The Owl 1280 is a high-resolution digital VIS-SWIR (visible & shortwave infrared) camera based around a 1280 x 1024 InGaAs sensor with 10µm x 10µm pixel pitch for high-resolution, high sensitivity imaging. With less than 50 electrons readout noise and a high intra-scene dynamic range, the camera provides simultaneous high-performance capture of both bright and dark portions of a scene.

Featuring onboard Automated Gain Control (AGC) and intelligent 3-point Non-Uniform Correction (NUC) for the highest quality results, the ultra-compact, low-power Owl 1280 is ideal for UAV surveillance, inspection and other rugged unmanned systems applications.

The Owl 640 II is a next-generation compact and lightweight digital VIS-SWIR camera based around a 640 x 512 InGaAs sensor. With a small footprint and a weight of just 282 grams, it is ideal for UAV and aerial imaging applications.

The high-sensitivity Owl 640 II can run at frame rates of up to 120Hz, providing high-speed digital video with intelligent onboard Automated Gain Control (AGC) for clear footage under all light conditions, including through fog. The camera is available with C-mount or M42-mount interfaces.

The Owl 640 N is a 640 x 512 InGaAs VIS-SWIR camera featuring one of the lowest readout noise levels on the market at a typical value of 18 electrons. It is ideal for low-light imaging applications, with a high intra-scene dynamic range enabling simultaneous capture of bright and dark portions of a scene.

With onboard Automated Gain Control (AGC) for superior contrast imaging from low to bright light, and intelligent 3-point Non-Uniform Correction (NUC) for the highest quality results, the compact Owl 640 N provides high-speed imaging at frame rates of up to 120 Hz.

The Owl 640 M features the lowest power consumption of the entire Owl 640 series, with a compact TEC (thermoelectric cooling)-less design that is ideal for OEMs of robotics and machine vision systems.

The camera’s imaging capabilities include 15μm x 15μm pixel pitch for high-resolution VGA VIS-SWIR imagery, and ultra-high intrascene dynamic range for simultaneous capture of bright and dark portions of a scene.

The Owl 640 S is a high-speed variant of the Owl 640 family, delivering frame rates of up to 300 Hz at full resolution. The high-sensitivity SWIR camera is based around a 640 x 512 InGaAs sensor with an ultra-low readout noise of 30 electrons.

The Owl 640 S features high intrascene dynamic range for simultaneous capture of bright and dark portions of a scene, as well as intelligent Automated Gain Control (AGC) for clear video footage under all light conditions. The rugged imaging platform is also ITAR-free.

The Owl 640 T is the world’s first SWaP-optimised ½” VGA VIS-SWIR imaging system, ideal for OEM mini-UAVs and electro-optical systems. The ½” sensor format allows system integrators to use smaller, lighter lenses, minimizing OEM design footprint and payload weights. The ultra-compact, rugged unit uses thermometric cooling for fanless sensor stabilisation.

With a 10µm x 10µm pixel pitch, the low-noise camera is compatible with VIS-SWIR illuminators, markers and pointers, and features high intra-scene dynamic range for simultaneous capture of both bright and dark portions of a scene. Onboard Automated Gain Control (AGC) and intelligent 3-point Non Uniform Correction (NUC) provide the highest quality imaging results.

The Owl 320 HS provides the fastest frame rates in the Owl VIS-SWIR camera portfolio, delivering high-speed full frame resolution imaging at up to 349 Hz. Featuring programmable Region of Interest (ROI), the camera offers a resolution of 320 x 256 with a pixel pitch of 30µm x 30µm.

With a rugged fanless construction and low power consumption of less than 5W, the compact platform is ideal for UAV electro-optical systems and inspection applications.

The Hawk 252 is a back-illuminated EMCCD camera featuring ultra-high sensitivity imaging performance and quantum efficiency (QE) of over 95% at 600nm. It provides GEN III image intensifier performance, as well as enhanced blue response from 180nm for low-light UV with visible detection. The high-resolution 1280 x 1080 camera is ideal for both UAV and ground-based imaging, surveillance and monitoring applications.

The Hawk 216-A is an analogue camera with enhanced UV response from 180nm that delivers superior night-vision performance comparable to Gen III image intensifiers. The 2/3″ full frame transfer camera offers a resolution of 625 TV lines, a frame rate up to 30Hz and a dynamic range of 55dB.

The high-sensitivity imaging solution uses smaller pixels for ultra-sharp image resolution and is ideal for both UAV and ground-based imaging, surveillance and monitoring applications.