Infrared and laser specialist SCD is launching a new shortwave infrared (SWIR) detector called the SWIFT-EI, the Israeli company announced on 24 April 2023.
Billed as a very low size, weight and power (SWaP) device with a low-cost, VGA-format, 10-micron-pitch SWIR detector, the SWIFT-EI is the world’s first SWIR detector integrating event-based imaging capabilities, according to SCD.
The SWIFT-EI’s advanced detection capabilities “enable tactical forces to detect multiple laser sources, laser spots, [conduct] hostile fire indication, and much more” stated SCD in a press release. Its state-of-the-art, read-out integrated circuit imager technology offers two parallel video channels in one sensor: a standard imaging SWIR video channel and a very-high-frame event imaging channel, the company explained.
“The SWIFT-EI offers SWIR imaging that supports day and low-light scenarios, enabling 24/7 situational awareness, better atmospheric penetration, and a low-cost SWIR image for tactical applications,” the company stated. “Furthermore, its event-based imaging channel provides advanced capabilities, such as laser event spot detections, multi-laser spot thermography capabilities, and SWIR event-based imaging, broadening the scope of target detection and classification.”
The SWIFT-EI “also opens up new capacities for machine vision applications in fields such as production line sorting machines, smart agriculture and more, where analysis of high-level SWIR images is required for automatic machine decision making,” SCD added, noting that the SWIFT EI enables a full frame rate of more than 1200 Hz, which the company said is essential for machine vision and machine AI algorithms.
“This new product is part of our value to be ‘always a step ahead’ and our promise to our customers to ‘be the first to see’,” Kobi Zaushnizer, CEO of SCD, was quoted as saying in a company press release. “The SWIFT-EI event-based imaging enables the next generation of AI-based systems, offering the multi-domain battlespace multi-spectral infrared imaging for better situational awareness, advanced automatic target detection and calcifications, and target hand-off across platforms and forces while increasing warrior lethality. It also enables hostile fire indication – and all of this at a price point that makes it possible for SWIR cameras to be integrated into high-distribution applications, such as weapon sights and clip-ons, drones, man-portable target designators, and more.”
Zaushnizer said the SWIFT-EI is already being delivered to initial customers around the world and that he expects to see a significant production ramp-up in the coming months.
Peter Felstead
