SWIR Sensor Will Run Cool On Little Power

In partnership, Nextreme Thermal Solutions and Princeton Lightwave are developing a SWIR focal plane sensor using extremely efficient thermoelectric cooling. Based on Nextreme’s thermal bump technology and Princeton's InGaAs focal plane arrays, the sensor promises to dramatically reduce power consumption and weight while improving overall performance. Accordingly, these features will allow wide deployment of SWIR sensors for night vision systems. Desirable for military applications, InGaAs shortwave infrared sensors can be networked and are sensitive to the nightglow radiation at 1.6-mm wavelengths, enabling operation in total darkness. Additionally, this part of the spectrum is eye-safe, allowing for the use of laser illuminators invisible to current night vision devices. For more details, call NEXTREME THERMAL SOLUTIONS INC., Durham, NC. (919) 597-7300. PRINCETON LIGHTWAVE INC., Cranbury, NJ. (609) 495-2600.