Lynred Acquires New Imaging Technologies (NIT), Strengthening Leadership in Infrared Sensors

We are pleased to announce that LYNRED, a leading global provider of high-quality infrared sensors for the aerospace, defense and commercial markets is acquiring New Imaging Technologies (NIT). The transaction is expected to close in Q4 2024, and is subject to customary conditions

The complementarity of NIT’s and LYNRED’s industrial supply chains and technical skills, will strengthen our competitiveness and global leadership in the SWIR market. This will pave the way to new business opportunities between our companies.

LYNRED and NIT will be present at Vision Stuttgart (October 8-10), booth #8C46, and AUSA (October 14-16) at Washington DC, booth #8015, showcasing products based on the companies’ latest technology achievements. These two important tradeshows will give the opportunity to share further information and answer any questions about the acquisition.

 

Boost the throughput of your inspection machine with NIT high-definition, fast-frame-rate InGaAs cameras. 

In the fast-paced world of semiconductor and solar panel manufacturing, precise and efficient inspection is crucial. NIT designs and manufactures high-resolution SWIR InGaAs cameras to meet the demanding requirements of modern fabs. They deliver superior performance in silicon wafer and solar panel inspection.

Why SWIR Cameras for Semiconductor and Solar Panel Inspection?

Manufacturers frequently use SWIR cameras for quality assurance of silicon wafers and associated processes, taking advantage of silicon’s transparency to SWIR wavelengths. To achieve the high throughput required by modern semiconductor fabs, the SWIR cameras must offer high pixel count, small pixel size, high sensitivity, and high frame rate, all being an order of magnitude greater than what is currently available from vendors on the market.

NIT’s Advanced SWIR Camera Solutions for Semiconductor and Solar Panel Inspection

To address these demanding applications, NIT has developed a line of SWIR cameras dedicated to silicon wafer inspection :

SenS 1280:

A Megapixel high sensitivity 1280×1024 pixel focal plane array of 10µm size. The width-to-height ratio is 1.25 and is therefore particularly appropriate to cover large silicon surface area. Electronic noise is low to 30e-.

SenS 1920:

A Two-megapixel high sensitivity 1920×1080 pixel focal plane array of 8µm size. The SenS 1920 exhibits a record noise of less than 25e-. The rectangular aspect ratio of 1.88 is particularly suitable for inspecting the edges and boundaries of long silicon circuits.

These SWIR cameras can operate at full frame at 60Hz and much more by subwindowing.

Our cameras and their performances are unique as they don’t use third-party sensors. NIT powers both cameras with its own SWIR InGaAs sensors, NSC1901 & NSC2101, designed and manufactured in-house. Additionally, NIT offers a comprehensive SDK package compatible with x86-64 (Windows and Linux OS) and Arm64 (AARCH64) simplifying the integration into existing inspection systems.

New Imaging Technologies (NIT), a leading innovator in advanced imaging solutions, is proud to announce the launch of its groundbreaking Full HD resolution SWIR camera. This state-of-the-art camera features ultra-low-noise performance at 25e-, designed to meet various industries’ rigorous demands and offer unparalleled imaging quality and precision.

SWIR Camera Technical Specifications:

• Resolution: 1920×1080 Pixels 
• Pixel Pitch: 8μm
• Wavelength Range: Short-wave Infrared Imaging from 900nm to 1700nm
• Read-out Noise: 25e-
• Dynamic range:  64dB
• Frame Rate: >40Hz full frame and more with sub-windowing
• Interface: USB 3.0

Typical Applications of the SWIR Camera:

• Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR)
• Semiconductor, Wafer, and Solar Panel Inspection

SenS 1920 uses the NSC2101 low noise focal plane array designed and manufactured by NIT

One of the standout features of the new SWIR camera is its core. The Full HD SWIR camera incorporates NIT’s proprietary InGaAs sensor, the NSC2101, underscoring NIT’s expertise in advanced imaging technology. Manufactured in France, this camera ensures the highest standards of quality and reliability, making it an essential tool for professionals in various fields.

The new camera has a USB 3.0 interface, ensuring fast and efficient data transfer. Additionally, the camera is designed for ease of use with plug-and-play functionality, allowing users to quickly integrate the camera into their systems with minimal setup. This capability, combined with its high resolution and low noise, makes the camera ideal for capturing high-quality images in the short-wave infrared range of 900nm to 1700nm. This versatility is particularly beneficial for applications such as ISR and semiconductor inspection, where precise imaging is crucial.

New Imaging Technologies (NIT) is widely recognized as a major supplier of SWIR cameras, based upon an innovative range of in-house designed SWIR focal plane array sensors. With a strong emphasis on innovation and quality, NIT is now pleased to announce the commercial availability of SWIR sensors alone to meet the market’s diverse needs for volume-qualified OEM customers.

NIT’s VGA sensor is available for release.

NSC 1601: A wide dynamic range response VGA 640×512 pixels at a 15µm pitch, exhibiting Linear and Logarithmic response and a full frame of 230fps.

Key Features of NSC 1601:

• Resolution: 640×512 pixels
• Dual-Mode Response: a unique dual-response mode with switchable logarithmic and linear options, providing flexibility and customization.
• High Dynamics Range: up to 120dB
• Sensitivity: High sensitivity of 15µm with Low noise of 50e- with Thermoelectric Cooling (TEC)
• Frame Rate: Experience seamless imaging with a full frame rate of 230 fps, enabling swift and accurate capture of dynamic scenes.

Why choose NIT’s Sensors

• French Innovation: Designed and manufactured in France, the NSC 1601 represents the pinnacle of technological excellence, backed by rigorous quality standards.
• Advanced Production Facility: NIT’s state-of-the-art clean room facility is equipped for high-volume production, guaranteeing consistent and reliable performance.
• Hybridization Expertise: Benefit from NIT’s advanced hybridization process, renowned for its reliability and superior performance even in demanding environments.

NIT (New Imaging Technologies) introduces its latest innovation in the realm of SWIR imaging technology: a high-resolution Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) InGaAs sensor designed for the most demanding challenges in the field.

Overview

The new SWIR sensor – NSC2101 boasts remarkable features, including a high-performance InGaAs sensor with an 8µm pixel pitch, delivering an impressive 2MPIX resolution at 1920x1080px. Its ultra-low noise of only 25e- ensures exceptional image clarity, even in challenging environments. Additionally, with a dynamic range of 64dB, the sensor captures a wide spectrum of light intensities with precision and accuracy.

• 0.9µm to 1.7µm spectrum
• 2MPix – 1920x1080px @8µm pixel pitch
• 25e- readout noise
• 64dB dynamic range

This cutting-edge sensor is designed and manufactured by NIT in France and promises unparalleled performance and reliability. Leveraging advanced technology and expertise, NIT has crafted a sensor that meets the rigorous standards of ISR applications, offering crucial insights and intelligence in various scenarios.

Image example

Applications

The applications of this SWIR sensor are vast and diverse, catering to the needs of defense, security, and surveillance industries. The sensor’s capabilities are indispensable for enhancing situational awareness and decision-making, from monitoring border security to providing critical intelligence in tactical operations.

Typical applications:

• Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR)
• Semiconductor, wafer, solar panel inspection

Extension

Moreover, NIT’s commitment to innovation extends beyond the sensor itself. The camera version, integrating the NSC2101 sensor, will be released soon.

 

Join us at booth #1232 – SWIR cameras for Defense & Commercial Sensing applications

Pierre POTET our CEO, François Coursaget and Regis TULAZA will be pleased to present our latest innovative cameras amongst which

• SenS 1280 – OEM version 
• WiDy SenS 320 – Enhanced High-Speed version

and : 

• Our latest mystery sensor –  high resolution, small pitch, ultra-low noise SWIR component. 

Visit our booth to learn more