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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Objective lenses are responsible for primary image formation, determining the quality of the image produced and controlling the total magnification and resolution. They can vary greatly in design and quality.

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.

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.

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.

To clean a microscope objective lens, first remove the objective lens and place it on a flat surface with the front lens facing up. Use a blower to remove any particles without touching the lens. Then fold a piece of lens paper into a narrow triangular shape. Moisten the pointed end of the paper with small amount of lens cleaner and place it on the lens. Wipe the lens in a spiral cleaning motion starting from the lens’ center to the edge. Check your work for any remaining residue with an eyepiece or loupe. If needed, repeat this wiping process with a new lens paper until the lens is clean. Important: never wipe a dry lens, and avoid using abrasive or lint cloths and facial or lab tissues. Doing so can scratch the lens surface. Find more tips on objective lens cleaning in our blog post, 6 Tips to Properly Clean Immersion Oil off Your Objectives.

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

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Olympus microscope objective lenses for industrial inspections offer outstanding optical performance from the visible light to near-infrared region. At Evident, we offer an extensive selection of Olympus objectives suited to specific inspection requirements and tasks. Our MXPLFLN-BD objective is designed for darkfield observation and examining scratches on polished surfaces, while our SLMPLN objective is ideal for electronic assembly inspection. Find your ideal microscope objective today for your inspection task. No matter your requirements, Olympus objective lenses have you covered.

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.

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.

MicrometerThis product may not be available in your area.View ProductMPLAPON Our MPLAPON plan apochromat objective lens series provides our highest level of chromatic correction and resolution capability, along with a high level of wavefront aberration correction. View ProductMPLAPON-Oil Our MPLAPON-Oil objective is a plan apochromat and oil immersion lens that provides our highest level of chromatic correction and resolution capability. The numerical aperture of 1.45 offers outstanding image resolution. View ProductMXPLFLN MXPLFLN objectives add depth to the MPLFLN series for epi-illumination imaging by offering a simultaneously improved numerical aperture and working distance. View ProductMXPLFLN-BD MXPLFLN-BD objective lenses add depth to the MPLFLN series for epi-illumination imaging by offering simultaneously improved numerical aperture and working distance. View ProductMPLN Our MPLN plan achromat lens series is dedicated to brightfield observation and provides excellent contrast and optimal flatness throughout the field of view. View ProductMPLN-BD Our MPLN plan achromat lens series is designed for both brightfield and darkfield observation and provides excellent contrast and optimal flatness throughout the field of view. View ProductMPLFLN The MPLFLN objective lens has well-balanced performance with a semi-apochromat color correction, a fair working distance, and a high numerical aperture. It is suitable for a wide range of applications. View ProductMPLFLN-BD The MPLFLN-BD objective lens has semi-apochromat color correction and suits a wide range of industrial inspection applications. It is specially designed for darkfield observation and examining scratches or etchings on polished surfaces. View ProductLMPLFLN Our LMPLFLN lens is part of our plan semi-apochromat series, providing longer working distances for added sample safety and observation with increased contrast. View ProductLMPLFLN-BD Our LMPLFLN-BD brightfield/darkfield objective lens is part of our plan semi-apochromat series, providing longer working distances for added sample safety and observation with increased contrast. View ProductSLMPLN The SLMPLN plan achromat objective lens offers an exceptionally long working distance and the image clarity that you expect from the Olympus UIS2 optical system. It is ideal for electronic assembly inspection and other similar applications. View ProductLCPLFLN-LCD The LCPLFLN-LCD objective lenses are optimal for observing samples through glass substrates, such as LCD panels. The adoption of optical correction rings enables aberration correction according to glass thickness. View ProductLMPLN-IR/LCPLN-IR Our LMPLN-IR and LCPLN-IR plan achromat lenses have a long working distance and are specifically designed for optimal transmission in the near-infrared region (700–1300 nm wavelengths). View ProductWhite Light Interferometry Objective Lens This objective lens is designed for the Mirau style of white light interferometers and maintains a high level of temperature tolerance. The optimized numerical aperture of 0.8 provides improved light gathering, with a working distance of 0.7 mm. View Product

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:

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.

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MXPLFLN objectives add depth to the MPLFLN series for epi-illumination imaging by offering a simultaneously improved numerical aperture and working distance.

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.

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.

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.

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.

SWIRVision Systems

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

The ocular lens is located at the top of the eyepiece tube where you position your eye during observation, while the objective lens is located closer to the sample. The ocular lens generally has a low magnification but works in combination with the objective lens to achieve greater magnification power. It magnifies the magnified image already captured by the objective lens. While the ocular lens focuses purely on magnification, the objective lens performs other functions, such as controlling the overall quality and clarity of the microscope image.

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.

MXPLFLN-BD objective lenses add depth to the MPLFLN series for epi-illumination imaging by offering simultaneously improved numerical aperture and working distance.

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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 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.

Many microscopes have several objective lenses that you can rotate to view the specimen at varying magnification powers. Usually, you will find multiple objective lenes on a microscope, consisting of 1.25X to 150X.

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

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

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.).

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)

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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