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Multispectral and SWIR cameras for imaging beyond visible light

Multispectral and SWIR cameras capture light that the human eye and ordinary cameras cannot see: near infrared (NIR) and short wave infrared (SWIR) up to 1700 nm. Many materials that look identical in visible light differ clearly there; water absorbs strongly in SWIR, and some plastics and films become transparent. VISIONTECHNIK offers cameras from OPT with 0.3 to 8 megapixels, frame rates from 12 to 246 frames per second and a spectral range up to 1700 nm, with C-mount.

9 products

Resolution
Pixels
Max. frame rate (fps)
Color / mono
Sensor format
Pixel size (µm)
Spectral range

Products

Multispectral cameras: choosing by inspection task

Where imaging beyond visible light helps

SWIR shows moisture and fill levels through plastic, distinguishes materials of the same colour (sorting of plastics, food inspection), reveals foreign objects and reads codes under some coatings. Silicon becomes transparent from about 1100 nm, which allows wafers and solar cells to be inspected from the inside.

Camera, lens and lighting have to match the spectral range: ordinary lenses are not corrected for SWIR, and the lighting needs the right wavelength. The SWIR lens category lists matching optics; lighting at 850 nm, 940 nm and above is found in the lighting categories.

Selection criteria

These questions matter most for the choice:

  • Spectral range: which wavelengths the task needs; in stock up to 1700 nm
  • Resolution: from 0.3 to 8 megapixels; SWIR sensors inherently have fewer pixels than sensors for visible light
  • Frame rate: 12 to 246 frames per second
  • Sensor and pixel size: 1/4 inch to 1/1.4 inch with 2.74 µm to 5 µm
  • Lens and lighting: designed for the spectral range

Typical applications

Multispectral and SWIR cameras are used, among other things, for:

  • Material discrimination and sorting (plastics, textiles, recycling)
  • Moisture and fill level checks through packaging
  • Inspection of wafers, solar cells and semiconductors
  • Food inspection for foreign objects and ripeness
  • Security and document checks with invisible features

Frequently asked questions about multispectral and SWIR cameras

What is the difference between NIR and SWIR?
NIR (near infrared, about 700 to 1000 nm) is captured by many ordinary silicon sensors too. SWIR (short wave infrared, about 1000 to 1700 nm) needs special sensors, mostly InGaAs, and matching lenses.
Can I use an ordinary lens?
For NIR mostly yes, with a slight focus shift. For SWIR only with limitations: coating and correction of ordinary lenses are designed for visible light. SWIR lenses have their own category.
Which lighting do I need?
A light source in the desired spectral range: LED lighting at 850 or 940 nm for NIR, halogen or SWIR LEDs for 1000 to 1700 nm. The wavelength can be filtered in the lighting categories.

Next technical step

Still unsure which model fits?

Tell us the inspection task, object size, required resolution, cycle rate and the computer environment you have. We narrow down suitable models across manufacturers, check interface, lens and lighting together and say openly what still needs clarifying before a decision.

Request a suitable multispectral camera