In this rapidly growing world, technological advancements are shaping a fruitful future and creating exclusive opportunities across sectors. Moreover, one such breakthrough is SWIR fixed focal length lens technology. Likewise, among the pioneering companies in this field, Superior CCTV has emerged as one of the top manufacturers of high-quality SWIR imaging lenses. Moreover, short-wave infrared (SWIR) camera lenses have become an essential imaging tool across various industries, including agriculture, commercial, residential, industrial, and medical.
Furthermore, these cameras use a SWIR fixed focal length lens in the 0.9-2.5 µm wavelength range, which is invisible to the naked eye, to capture high-resolution images. Likewise, one of the primary advantages of the fixed focal lens imaging technique is that it can capture images through materials that are opaque to specific visible wavelengths, such as polymers or glass. Nevertheless, in this comprehensive blog post, we will cover everything about a fixed length lens, from its working principle to its primary applications.
What is a SWIR Fixed Focal Length Lens?
A SWIR fixed focal length lens is a special optical lens designed to capture Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) light. Furthermore, SWIR light is not visible to the human eye, but cameras and sensors can detect it. A fixed focal lens length means the lens’s zoom cannot be adjusted, either manually or automatically. Likewise, the set focal length remains constant. Thus, it results in high image clarity and stability, making it perfect for security surveillance.
The use of SWIR lenses in security surveillance is increasing, especially in situations where conventional CCTV cameras fail due to low light, fog, smoke, or harsh weather. SWIR lenses easily penetrate such conditions, giving security teams clearer, sharper visuals even when visibility is next to zero.
Another significant advantage is that SWIR imaging lenses highlight reflective materials. Metallic objects, wet surfaces, or hidden markings are very clearly visible in the SWIR range. However, this feature in the SWIR zoom lens is invaluable in airports, border controls, industrial perimeters, and critical infrastructure surveillance. For example, if an intruder is wearing a mask, SWIR lenses can still detect their presence.
Nonetheless, A fixed focal lens provides long-term stability and durability. Therefore, in this lens, maintenance is minimal, performance remains consistent, and calibration issues are minimized. Additionally, these features imply that the SWIR fixed focal length lens is a reliable, durable, and high-clarity solution that delivers a next-level experience for security surveillance systems, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
Technical Configuration of SWIR Fixed Focal Length Lens
| Parameter | Specification (Example) |
|---|---|
| Spectral Range | 900–1700 nm |
| Focal Length | 25 mm |
| F-Number (Aperture) | f/1.4 |
| Image Format | 2/3″ (11 mm diagonal) |
| Mount | C-mount |
| Field of View (H/V) | 25° × 20° (for 2/3″ sensor) |
| Minimum Working Distance | 0.2 m |
| Transmission | >85% across 900–1700 nm |
| Lens Elements / Groups | 6 elements / 4 groups |
| Distortion | <1% |
| Back Focal Length | 17.5 mm |
| Flange Focal Distance | 17.526 mm (C-mount standard) |
| Focus Mechanism | Manual focus |
| Iris Control | Manual iris |
| Operating Temperature | −20°C to +60°C |
| Weight | 120 g |
| Housing Material | Anodized aluminum |
| Coating Type | SWIR broadband AR coating |
Applications of a SWIR Fixed Focal Length Lens in Surveillance and Security
A SWIR fixed focal length lens is used mainly in security and surveillance for its ability to see through obscurants, such as fog and smoke, detect hidden objects in low-visibility situations, and enable day-to-night imaging applications. Furthermore, these SWIR imaging lenses have fundamental applications in perimeter security, threat detection, and monitoring in dangerous situations, such as military operations or firefighting, where standard cameras do not perform up to standard. However, let’s discuss some essential applications of a SWIR fixed length lens in the security and surveillance industry.
1. It Enhances Vision in Degraded Situations
A SWIR zoom lens can see through dust, pollution, smoke, and fog, providing a more explicit look than visible-light cameras in low-visibility conditions.
2. Monitoring in Risky Environment
It is imperative for operations such as firefighting and rescue, where SWIR zoom lens cameras provide clear visibility for safety and target location identification in hazardous situations.
3. Low-Visibility Security and Surveillance
A fixed focal lens is an effective camera for detecting hidden objects or individuals in both daytime and nighttime security surveillance. It performs even with minimal ambient light, thanks to its ability to capture a clear image or record in the light of nightglow.
4. Threat Detection
A SWIR fixed focal length lens is invaluable for defense and security applications, enabling detection of covert beacons, lasers, and other threats invisible to the naked eye or to standard security camera systems.
5. Security Across Different Environments
A fixed focal lens is used for standard security and surveillance across numerous settings, including border control and perimeter security monitoring, delivering a stable, reliable imaging capability unaffected by atmospheric variations or heat haze.
6. Covert Illumination and Laser Spotting
A fixed length lens technology can be utilized for covert illumination and for spotting or tracking targets with lasers, making it invisible to other spectral bands. Thus, the best SWIR fixed focal length lens makes it an ideal choice for covert operations.
List of Features of SWIR Fixed Focal Length Lens
The lens’s high-resolution imaging capacity is the primary reason for such large applications. The addition of such premium shortwave infrared (SWIR) features is well-researched and well-equipped. Whether it’s machinery work supervision or electronic board inspection, all are possible due to the unmatched integrated feature of the lens. The following table talks about the fundamental features of the SWIR lens:
| Feature Category | Feature |
|---|---|
| Optical Characteristics |
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| Mechanical Characteristics |
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| Sensor Compatibility |
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| Environmental Performance |
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| Coatings & Materials |
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| Performance Metrics |
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How Do SWIR Cameras Work?
SWIR fixed focal length lens cameras use sensors to catch the emission and reflection of the light in the SWIR wavelength range, between 0.9 and 2.5 µm. Moreover, these cameras consist of a sensor, a conversion system, a lens, and a photodiode array, each element playing an essential role in witnessing light and transforming it into an electronic signal. Additionally, a fixed length lens sensor is used in SWIR cameras that are designed with a photodiode array. Thus, it is often used with raw materials, such as InGaAs (Indium Gallium Arsenide), which have a bandgap energy lower than silicon, allowing them to absorb photons with longer wavelengths.
Also, when light from the SWIR imaging lenses passes through the fixed length lens, it is entirely focused onto the sensor. However, this sensor consists of multiple pixels arranged in a grid. Furthermore, every pixel detects the intensity of incoming light and compares it to a particular location in the image. When the imaging light strikes the photodiode array, it generates a charge proportionate to the light intensity. Nevertheless, this charge is converted into a digital signal, which is then translated by the SWIR camera’s electronics into a well-formed image. Typically, the image is grayscale, with each pixel corresponding to multiple shades of gray that indicate the intensity of light at that location.
As we all know, InGaAs is not the only raw material used in the making of SWIR zoom lens sensors. However, InGaAs offers a wide range of SWIR wavelengths and can be used in various applications, such as monitoring and gas sensing. One of the main reasons for SWIR cameras is that they perform well in low-light conditions, which is ideal for a wide range of applications, including security surveillance, inspection, medical imaging, agriculture, and more.
Significant Advantages of SWIR Lenses
There are countless advantages of a SWIR fixed focal length lens, making it the best option across various domains. Furthermore, SWIR imaging provides high-sensitivity, high-resolution solutions that function accurately both day and night, as they can benefit from nightglow or night-sky radiance. Additionally, SWIR cameras do not require expensive imaging lenses or specialized casing, making them a cost-effective, compact, and powerful imaging solution. Therefore, let’s discuss some fundamental advantages of SWIR lenses:
- It is Cost-Effective
- It Works Seamlessly in Day and Night Imaging
- It Offer High-Resolution Properties
- It has Low Power Features
- It can easily identify Covert Lasers and Beacons
It’s Time to Wrap Things Up!
Anything that can increase your business’s work efficiency is worth investing in. Most of the company’s work involves multiple stages before finalizing the products. From product idea to design, manufacturing to quality check, all require sharp observation to ensure quality. Since most business work involves bulk production, doing it all manually is quite exhausting and costly. Also, it’s tough to inspect and complete supervision at all stages of manufacturing. Also, micro-observation of any product is not possible.
Here, you will need an effective tool that addresses all issues related to observation and viewing. At Superior CCTV, we manufacture a range of SWIR lenses. Our lenses are used by businesses and individuals from other industries to work on various workforces. If you need a personalized SWIR fixed focal length lens for your work, it is available in multiple sizes, focal lengths, and fields of view. We are always here to help you speed up work quality and productivity.
