Impurities/doping, structural stress and defects, emission/absorption properties, bandgap measurement can be probed by a variety of techniques including photoluminescence, electroluminescence, cathodoluminescence, or 1064nm Raman.

Andor’s C-RED camera series presents a wide range of fast and sensitive, cameras for Hyperspectral, across the full SWIR wavelength range. C-RED 2 Lite is a temperature-stabilized, cost-effective solution in the 900-1700nm range, whereas C-RED 2 ER can be very effectively utilized to extend coverage out to 2200nm.

Double prism configuration and birefringent calcite produce a polarizer with the widest field of view while maintaining a high extinction ratio.

Optical spectroscopy can be used to probe the makeup, transformation processes and behaviour of chemical species in different environments.

Andor’s C-RED SWIR imaging camera series deliver the ultimate in high-speed solutions, truly market-leading right across the whole product range.

Mixed pills imaged with a visible camera and with a hyperspectral imaging system (false colour display). Courtesy of First Light Imaging.

Pentaprism clothing

Single prism configuration and birefringent calcite separate an input beam into two orthogonally polarized output beams.

Thorlabs' Mounted Penta Prism is fabricated from N-BK7 with two aluminized reflective faces protected by an Inconel and black paint overcoat. It features a clear aperture of >Ø12 mm and is mounted inside a standard 30 mm cage system cage cube. The prism is epoxied within a cage cube mount and cannot be removed. Note that the beam exits the cage cube mount at 90° ± 20 arcmin.

Andor offer compact and cost-effective SWIR InGaAs solutions for high-throughput inspection, surveillance, laser beam profiling, thermography, hyper-spectral imaging and much more.

By rotating one wedged prism, light can be steered to trace the circle defined by 2 times the specified deviation angle.

Astronomy imaging in the SWIR range. Image of Saturn at 50 ms exposure with C-RED 2. Courtesy of JL Gach, First Light Imaging.

Function of pentaprism in camera

Further ReadingA Highly Sensitive Six-telescope Interferometric Imager at the CHARA ArrayA high angular resolution K-band imager at CHARAAdvances in Optical/Infrared Interferometry

Andor’s C-RED series provide a range of fast and sensitive solutions for beam profiling in the SWIR domain. C-RED 2 Lite and C-RED 3 provide cost-effective solutions for studying temporal characteristics at 600 fps. C-RED One provides temporal resolution at 3500 fps.

Roof pentaprism

Andor’s C-RED 2, C-RED 2 Lite and C-RED 3 InGaAs cameras offer a unique High Dynamic Range mode, where the signal from the high and low capacities are linearly combined using a patented sensor readout method, allowing the camera to reach a dynamic of 93.6 dB with true 16 bits linear response, while maintaining a high frame rate of 600 fps.

Cage System CompatibilityThe housing provides an 8-32 (M4) tap for post mounting, SM1-threaded (1.035"-40) input and output ports, and eight 4-40-tapped holes for cage rods on the entrance and exit faces. The CCM1-PS932(/M) features two SM1-threaded ports and has two closed sides to minimize light leakage. The penta prism cage cube can be connected to other cage cubes using cage rods and ERSCB adapters or can be connected side-by-side to other cage cubes with our CM1-CC connector. The CM1-CC cage cube connector can only be used on the entrance and exit faces of these cubes.

Pentaprism vs pentamirror

Imaging and accurately quantifying all detail is often key. In some environments, scenery can be over-illuminated or details can be hidden. In scientific imaging, it can be important to quantify signal over a huge range of intensities within a scene, without compromising measurement speed.

Thorlabs' Cube-Mounted Penta Prisms are constructed with a 20 mm penta prism in a 30 mm cage cube with two closed sides to minimize light leakage. These penta prisms deviate incident light by 90° without inverting or reversing the image. Each prism is fabricated from N-BK7 with two aluminized reflective faces protected by an Inconel black paint overcoat. The mechanical housing for these optics limits the clear aperture to >Ø12.0 mm.

Spectroscopy in the SWIR region can be used to characterise the optical and electronics properties of a wide range of novel engineering materials in the field of solar cells, quantum sources and nano-lasers, optical probes and functionalised molecules for biosensing (using the deeper probing properties of infrared photons in biological media), or Carbon Nanotubes and graphene-based nanostructures.

The C-RED One detector uses innovative e-APD MCT sensor technology, delivering single photon sensitivity from on-chip electron multiplying HgCdTe architecture. Covering a wavelength range from 0.8 µm to 2.5 µm, the platform also benefits from cooling to 90K to minimize thermal events.

s-pol. and p-pol. are displaced by 2.7 or 4.0 mm. Beam displacing prisms can be used as polarizing beamsplitters where 90o separation is not possible.

The iDus InGaAs spectroscopy detector series offers high sensitivity and high dynamic range detection capabilities from 1-1.7 μm. Combined with Andor Kymera spectrographs, cryostat solutions and UV-NIR spectroscopy detectors, it provides seamlessly configurable workhorse platforms to cater for setups with multiple type of spectroscopy modalities and/or material types.

Andor offer a comprehensive range of imaging and spectroscopic SWIR cameras, spanning a wide envelope of performance attributes. From state-of-the-art single photon sensitive, 90K cooled, ultra-high performance detectors to compact price/performance SWIR cameras for fast industrial imaging applications, we can guide you towards a solution that answers your needs.

Specially designed for short exposure time applications, C-RED 3 is a very compact high-speed VGA uncooled camera for SWIR imaging to 1.7 µm at up to 600 fps. C-RED 3 also benefits from real time Adaptive Bias for image quality uniformity in any variable temperature environment.

Pentaprism device

Pentaprism in camera

In the SWIR band (900-2500nm), hyperspectral imaging is an emerging technology for production control. The advantages of simultaneous access to spatial and spectral characteristics of an object provide valuable information on the chemical composition of its surface.

Hyperspectral imaging combines digital imaging with spectroscopy, adding a spectral dimension to conventional imaging. It is a mature technique for the analysis of agricultural fields, forest, or mines. In the past few years, it has emerged as an important tool for the industrial analysis of products (drugs, plastics, food, etc.).

s-pol. and p-pol. deviate symmetrically from the prism. Wollaston prisms are used in spectrometers and polarization analyzers.

Application will drive the choice of sensor technology and camera. Filter the below model comparison table by application to help find the detectors that best meet your needs.

The iDus InGaAs spectroscopy detector series offers high sensitivity and high dynamic range detection capabilities from 1-1.7 μm or 2.2 μm. Combined with Andor Kymera/Shamrock spectrographs, cryostat solutions and UV-NIR spectroscopy detectors, it provides seamlessly configurable workhorse platforms to cater for setups with multiple type of spectroscopy modalities and/or material types.

Andor’s SWIR camera series, now including First Light Imaging C-RED SWIR cameras, provide superb sensitivity and speed performance across the Short-Wave Infra-Red wavelength domain. Technologies include market-leading InGaAs and the unique single photon sensitive ‘e-APD MCT’ imaging innovation.

Typical C-RED One detector readout with six telescope delay from the MIRC-X instrument operating in All-In-One mode at the CHARA array. Photometry is measured at each wavelength channel on the left of the detector readout and interferometric fringes are formed on the right. Fringes from all 15 baselines are superimposed at non-redundant spatial frequencies. (from Setterholm et al. 2022, Proc. SPIE 12183, Optical and Infrared Interferometry and Imaging VIII, 121830B)

Pentaprism for sale

C-RED 2 Lite is a compact high speed low noise TEC-stabilized SWIR camera, able to run at 600 FPS with 30 electrons readout noise. C-RED 2 Lite uses an optimized algorithm for precise sensor temperature stabilization, despite unavoidable environmental fluctuations, over extended periods of time.

Andor’s InGaAs series of SWIR cameras all deliver market-leading 600 fps. When it comes to high-speed, the C-RED 2, C-RED 2 Lite, C-RED 3 and C-RED New Space platforms all excel, ideal for interferometry, hyper-spectral imaging and much more.

Laser beam profiling is a technique used to measure and analyse the spatial characteristics of a laser beam. It provides information on intensity distribution, shape, and size. It has multiple applications:

Alignment PinsPlease note that because dowel alignment pins are used, the connector requires drilled holes on the cube face between the SM1-threaded (1.035"-40) ports. If you have an older cube and would like it updated to have alignment holes for free, please contact Technical Support. Alternatively, the alignment pins are press-fit inside their mounting holes, and can be pressed out for use with cubes that do not have these alignment holes.

Penta prisms deviate incident light by 90° without inverting or reversing the image (i.e., without changing the polarization handedness). Additionally, the 90° image deviation is independent of the orientation of the prism with respect to the incident beam or image, making penta prisms an effective alternative to turning mirrors. The only limitation on alignment is the >Ø12 mm clear aperture of the housing.

We also offer the C4W-CC to connect two 2" wide 30 mm cage cubes. Both C4W-CC and CM1-CC cage cube connectors can be used to connect one 1.5" wide 30 mm cage cube, such as our CCM1-4ER(/M), with a 2" wide 30 mm cage cube.

A telescope’s ability to spatially resolve astronomical objects is limited by the size of its primary mirror. Interferometry is a technique used to overcome this limitation by precisely combining light collected by an array of small telescopes to achieve the spatial resolving power (without the light collecting capability) equivalent to that of a telescope with a single primary mirror the size of the full array. This technique has a long history in radio astronomy and is increasingly being adopted at visible and infrared observatories to resolve binary stars, planetary systems, and stellar surface features (e.g. starspots). Interferometers need very precise phase matching of light collected across the array, which, owing to atmospheric turbulence, can only be achieved with very short (ms) exposure times. Atmospheric coherence times tend to be slightly longer at SWIR wavelengths, but the photon count per exposure can still be very low.

Pentaprism with eyepiece

Whether you need single photon sensitivity or reduced thermal noise for longer exposures, Andor’s C-RED SWIR imaging camera series deliver excellence in low light SWIR solutions.

There are many parameters to consider when selecting a SWIR camera. While the specification sheets for each model will provide the most comprehensive overview for each, the table below provides a helpful comparative specification overview.

Today, visible cameras are established and versatile tools in astronomy. Short Wave Infrared (SWIR) camera technology for astronomy is now also quickly maturing to provide complementary observing capability at infrared wavelengths, opening paths to new discoveries and ever improved methods of studying the universe. Compared to those in visible light, SWIR observations reveal astrophysical phenomena that are cooler (cool/evolved stars, brown dwarfs, planets and exoplanets), more redshifted (galaxies, supernovae, cosmology), or obscured by dust (protostars, protoplanetary disks, galactic sources).

The flagship C-RED One e-APD MCT detector delivers single photon sensitivity at an incredible 3500 fps. The ideal SWIR detector for Adaptive Optics.

Wavefront sensing and correction through Adaptive Optics (AO) instrumentation enables real-time reduction in image distortion caused by atmospheric turbulence. AO systems afford considerable enhancement of both signal-to-noise ratio and spatial resolution for ground-based observations of objects in space. Wavefront sensors record the rapid variation of a wavefront, providing critical inputs to AO control and wavefront correction systems. Wavefront sensing in the SWIR wavelength domain is becoming increasingly prevalent and effective.

When both wedges are rotated, the beam can be moved anywhere within the circle defined by 4 times the specified deviation angle.

Other Cage Cube OptionsWe also offer 10, 20, 40, and 60 mm unmounted penta prisms. Empty 30 mm cage cubes are available for mounting our 20 mm unmounted penta prism. For a complete selection of our cube-mounted optics please see the Mounted Optics Guide tab.

Thorlabs offers a wide variety of prisms, which can be used to reflect, invert, rotate, disperse, steer, and collimate light. For prisms and substrates not listed below, please contact Tech Support.

To celebrate the launch of C-RED cameras we are offering exclusive prices for existing customers until the end of December.

Capable of 3500 fps full frame readout and electron multiplication, the C-RED One camera from First Light Imaging delivers revolutionary sensitivity and speed for the most demanding SWIR interferometric observations.

The First Light Imaging range for AO includes market-leading SWIR solutions such as the 3500 fps single photon sensitive C-RED One and the 600 fps InGaAs C-RED 2. It also includes a highly cost-effective C-RED 3 solution, delivering 600 fps from a compact, uncooled platform.

Ideal for astronomy, carbon nanotube research, semiconductor inspection, spectroscopy, singlet oxygen detection and much more.

1064 nm laser-based Raman diagnostics can be used as a way to greatly minimise unwanted, competing autofluorescence contribution from some organic-based species. Singlet oxygen spectroscopy (with peak emission around 1,270 nm) can be used to probe photochemical reactions.

Filter table by applications Spectroscopy Cameras X-Ray Neutron Laser Beam Profiling Hyperspectral Imaging Surveillance Thermography Free Space Optics Communication Astronomy and Adaptive Optics View All Model C-RED One C-RED 2 C-RED 2 ER C-RED 2 Lite C-RED 3 C-RED New Space iDus InGaAs 1.7μm iDus InGaAs 2.2μm (mm) e-APD MCT InGaAs InGaAs InGaAs InGaAs InGaAs InGaAs InGaAs Sensor Format 320 x 256 640 x 512 640 x 512 640 x 512 640 x 512 640 x 512 1025 x 1512 x 1 1025 x 1512 x 1 Pixel Size (µm) 24 15 15 15 15 15 25 x 50050 x 500 25 x 25050 x 250 Wavelength Range (µm) 0.8 - 2.5 0.9 - 1.7 1.1 - 1.91.2 - 2.2 0.9 - 1.7 0.9 - 1.7 0.9 - 1.7 0.9 - 1.7 0.9 - 2.2 QE max (%) 80 85 82 (1.9)85 (2.2) 80 78 80 80 80 Cooling (°C) -183 -40 -40 (1.9µm model)-55 (2.2µm model) 25 below case temp Uncooled Environment Dependent -90 -90 (full array) 3500 fps 600 fps 600 fps 600 fps 600 fps 600 fps 193 sps 193 sps Read Noise (e-) < 1> 23 32 (1.9µm model)36 (2.2µm model) 28 (@ 5C cooled) 37 < 30 580 580 Darkcurrent (e-/pix/sec) < 80 @ -183C 310 @ -40C 19,500 @ -40C130,000 @ -55C 25,000 @ +5C 817,000 @ +40C TBD 11,000 @ -90C 5,000,000 @ -90C Pixel Well Depth (e-) 100,000 1,400,000 1,500,000 1,400,000 1,400,000 1,400,000 1,700,000,000 1,700,000,000 (Shutter) Global Global Global Global Global Global Global Global Interface Camera Link USB 3.1 Gen 1Camera Link USB 3.1 Gen 1Camera Link USB 3.1 Gen 1Camera Link USB 3.1 Gen 1Camera Link USB 3.1 Gen 1Camera Link USB 2.0 USB 2.0 Learn More Specifications Specifications Specifications Specifications Specifications Specifications Specifications Specifications Request Pricing Pricing Pricing Pricing Pricing Pricing Pricing Pricing Pricing

Two cage cube-mounted turning mirrors cannot be connected using the CM1-CC due to a lack of Ø6 mm cage rod holes on two sides of the cube.

Andor’s C-RED 2 and C-RED 2 ER InGaAs cameras benefit from deep thermoelectric cooling, reducing darkcurrent to below photon background levels (in the SWIR domain), for longer exposure applications. Complemented by very competitive low read InGaAs noise levels.

The CM1-CC cage cube connector allows two or more CM1 or CCM1 style cubes to be connected as shown in the image to the right. The CM1 and CCM1 series of cage cubes, which are all compatible with this connector, include empty cubes, empty dichroic cubes, mounted beamsplitters, mounted penta prisms, and mounted turning mirrors. The CM1-CC cage cube connector includes four 4-40 button-head screws, two 4-40 flat-head screws, four washers, and a 1/16" hex key.

The table below provides links to all of our 30 mm Cage-Cube-Mounted optics. For our selection of 16 mm Cage-Cube-Mounted Optics, please see our 16 mm Cage Systems guide.