Unlocking the Invisible with Sony SWIR Image Sensors

Sony’s Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) image sensors are transforming industries by allowing the detection of materials and substances invisible to the human eye. This is part of a larger push on sensors, a domain Sony is very successful in.

By harnessing specific wavelengths of light, SWIR sensors capture images not only in the visible spectrum but also in the short-wavelength infrared region, enabling advanced applications across various sectors, such as food inspection, material sorting, contaminant detection, and semiconductor manufacturing. We’ve seen a live demo at CEATEC 2024 in Japan.

One key attribute of SWIR technology is its ability to differentiate between materials based on their absorption and reflection of light at specific wavelengths. For instance, water, which usually appears transparent in visible light, absorbs SWIR light, causing it to appear black.

This property makes it highly effective for identifying moisture levels in objects, such as in food inspection, where determining the presence of moisture can be critical for ensuring quality and safety. SWIR sensors, therefore, allow for the detection of foreign objects and contaminants that would be difficult or impossible to identify with the naked eye.

Additionally, SWIR sensors can also capture high-resolution images in environments where visible light is obstructed. Their ability to see through mist or smoke enhances their utility in various applications where environmental conditions can limit visibility.

This makes them invaluable in precision inspections, where identifying minute contaminants or defects can be crucial for operational efficiency and quality control.

Sony’s innovation in this space centers on its SenSWIR technology, a wide-band and high-sensitivity SWIR image sensor. This technology merges compound semiconductor InGaAs (Indium Gallium Arsenide) photodiodes with silicon readout circuits through Cu-Cu bonding, enhancing the sensor’s sensitivity and performance.

SenSWIR sensors offer improved imaging precision, enabling industries to see beyond the surface and detect the undetectable, enhancing productivity and inspection accuracy.Sony’s SWIR image sensors, particularly the SenSWIR technology, are setting new standards in imaging by capturing invisible wavelengths of light.

Their application in industries like food safety, material sorting, and semiconductor inspection is revolutionizing how these sectors identify and manage previously undetectable issues.

Filed in General. Read more about CEATEC, Ceatec 2024, Japan and Sony.