SWIR Technology in Machine Vision Lighting
Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) refers to the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum typically ranging from 900 nm to 2500 nm. Unlike visible light, SWIR can penetrate certain materials, reveal hidden features, and provide contrast where traditional imaging fails.
On a machine vision lighting website, SWIR deserves attention because it enables non-destructive inspection, material differentiation, and enhanced imaging in industrial environments where visible light is insufficient. It’s a game-changer for applications requiring deeper insight into materials or processes.
Why Lighting Quality is Critical for SWIR Imaging
Being a good light manufacturer is not just about brightness—it’s about spectral precision, uniformity, and thermal stability. In SWIR imaging:
- Spectral Matching: The light source must emit in the correct SWIR range to match the camera’s sensitivity.
- Homogeneity: Uneven lighting can distort image interpretation, especially in hyperspectral or multispectral setups.
- Light intensity: SWIR LEDs are way less powerful than usual visible LEDs. Thus, only experts will build the right light for your needs.
Key Applications
Food Inspection: detect bruises under fruit skins, moisture content, or foreign objects.
Recycling & Sorting: Differentiate between plastics, fabrics, or organic materials.
Pharmaceuticals: Verify fill levels in opaque containers or inspect blister packs.
Semiconductor & Solar Panel Inspection: Reveal defects in silicon wafers or microcracks in solar cells.