SWIR for SATCOM: Enabling Free-Space Optical Communication in New Space

The rapid expansion of satellite communications is driving a shift toward optical (laser-based) communication systems, where Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) technologies are emerging as a key enabler. As New Space ecosystems accelerate—particularly in Low Earth Orbit—SWIR sensors are increasingly deployed to support high-speed, secure, and reliable data transmission.

SWIR for SATCOM: at the Core of Free-Space Optical Communication

SWIR imaging plays a critical role in Free-space optical communication systems. Unlike traditional RF communications, FSO relies on laser beams to transmit data between satellites or between satellites and ground stations.

In this context, SWIR sensors enable:

• Precise beam detection and tracking
• Accurate alignment of optical links
• Reliable signal acquisition in dynamic environments

These capabilities are essential for maintaining stable, high-bandwidth communication links in space.

SWIR for SATCOM: Why 1.55 µm is the Preferred Wavelength

The 1.55 µm wavelength has become the standard for SATCOM optical systems due to several advantages:

• Excellent atmospheric transmission
• Compatibility with existing laser technologies
• Eye safety for ground-based operations

SWIR sensors optimized for this wavelength provide the performance required for long-distance, high data-rate communications.

LEO Constellations Driving SWIR Adoption

The rise of large-scale satellite constellations in Low Earth Orbit is reshaping the SATCOM landscape. These systems require:

• Compact, lightweight payloads
• Low power consumption
• Cost-effective, scalable components

This shift is accelerating demand for commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) SWIR solutions, capable of meeting performance requirements while remaining economically viable.

SWIR for SATCOM: NIT Developments

New Imaging Technologies (NIT), part of LYNRED is actively contributing to this evolution by developing SWIR solutions tailored for optical communication applications.

NIT technologies have already been implemented in:

• Aerial free-space laser communication systems
• Demonstrators targeting LEO environments

In parallel, NIT has initiated space qualification programs for its SWIR sensors. Early results show:

• Stable behavior of the ROIC (Read-Out Integrated Circuit) under radiation
• Reliable performance of detectors based on Indium Gallium Arsenide

SWIR for SATCOM: NIT SWIR Cameras

To support SATCOM and FSO applications, NIT offers high-performance SWIR cameras designed for precision and speed:

WiDy SenS 320 – High-Speed SWIR Camera

• High frame rates for real-time beam tracking
• Optimized for dynamic optical communication systems
• Compact and efficient for embedded platforms

SenS 1920 – Full HD SWIR Camera

• High-resolution for signal monitoring and diagnostics
• High-sensitivity for low-light detection
• Suitable for long-range optical link analysis

Conclusion: SWIR Enabling the Future of Optical SATCOM

As satellite communications transition toward laser-based systems, SWIR technologies are becoming indispensable. Their ability to deliver precision, sensitivity, and reliability makes them ideal for the demands of modern SATCOM—especially in LEO constellations.

With ongoing advancements in sensor performance and space qualification, New Imaging Technologies supports the next generation of free-space optical communication systems.

SWIR updates for April introduction

New Imaging Technologies (NIT) continues to expand its SWIR offering this April, combining product innovation with enhanced tools for system integration.

Throughout the month, NIT will engage with industry professionals at key international events while showcasing its latest high-performance SWIR sensors and cameras, including solutions with up to Full HD resolution and advanced line-scan capabilities. These SWIR solutions are designed to meet the growing demands of industrial, scientific, and defense applications.

SWIR updates – NIT camera portfolio:

1. High-performance SWIR sensors & cameras (up to Full HD)
2. Line-scan SWIR cameras for high-speed inspection (including NEW rectangular-pixel variant for improved measurement precision)

April’s event highlights:

Throughout the month, our team will be actively engaging with industry professionals across key international gatherings:

SPIE Photonics Europe – Strasbourg, France (14–15 April 2026)

In Europe, our sales leadership team—including our Director of Sales, Régis Tulaza, and Sales Area Manager, Martin du Tertre will be available at Booth 208 to discuss how our SWIR solutions can address your specific needs.

Book your appointment

SPIE Defense + Security | National Harbor, MD, USA | 28–30 April 2026

In the United States, our General Manager, François Coursaget, will represent our SWIR activities within the LYNRED team at the LYNRED USA booth. A dedicated presentation on recent advances in SWIR sensor technology will also be delivered, offering insights into our ongoing innovation efforts.

• • 27 April 2026 • 8:50 AM – 9:10 AM – Conference Presentation – “Recent advances in SWIR sensors by NIT”

  • 28-30 April 2026 – Exhibition – LYNRED USA Booth 503 – LYNRED’s program details

Whether you are exploring new imaging capabilities or optimizing existing systems, our team remains committed to supporting your projects with cutting-edge SWIR technology.

If you would like to schedule a dedicated discussion or learn more about our solutions, feel free to get in touch.

NIT’s camera CAD models now available

NIT is pleased to introduce a new resource designed to support engineers and integrators

3D STEP files for NIT’s SWIR cameras are now accessible via the Download page, enabling faster and more efficient system development.

The files cover a range of NIT’s camera platforms, including high-performance and line-scan SWIR solutions and CMOS models.

SWIR Drone-Based Inspection Introduction

As solar farms scale worldwide, operators are seeking faster, more reliable inspection methods to maximize energy output and reduce maintenance costs. Traditional inspection methods, based on visible or thermal imaging, often fail to detect early-stage defects. Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) imaging integrated on drones is emerging as a powerful solution for advanced solar panel inspection, enabling the detection of defects invisible to conventional visible or thermal imaging.

Why Traditional Inspection Methods Fall Short

Conventional inspection technologies have clear limitations. Visible imaging depends heavily on lighting conditions and cannot reveal subsurface defects. Thermal imaging, while useful for identifying hotspots, typically detects issues only after they have already affected performance.

As a result, many critical defects—such as micro-cracks, early delamination, or moisture ingress—remain undetected during routine inspections. This can lead to reduced energy output, unexpected failures, and increased maintenance costs.

High-Performance InGaAs SWIR Solutions for Aerial PV Monitoring

New Imaging Technologies (NIT), part of LYNRED, a leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance SWIR InGaAs sensors and cameras, supports this application with a complete range of lightweight, high-resolution SWIR imaging solutions optimized for UAV integration.

Why SWIR Drone-Based Inspection for Solar Panel Farm?

SWIR imaging (typically 900–1700 nm) offers unique advantages for photovoltaic inspection:

• Detection of micro-cracks and cell damage not visible in the visible spectrum
• Identification of moisture ingress, delamination, and material inconsistencies
• Inspection under variable illumination conditions, including low light and partial shading
• Non-contact, fast aerial inspection of large solar farms

Compared to thermal imaging, SWIR enables earlier defect detection and greater spatial detail, making it ideal for preventive maintenance strategies.

SWIR Drone-Based Inspection: Key Benefits

When combined with UAV platforms, SWIR imaging becomes even more powerful. Drone-based inspection offers:

• Rapid coverage of large solar installations
• Reduced downtime and operational costs
• High spatial resolution defect localization
• Improved imaging data quality for AI-based analysis

NIT’s compact and low-power SWIR solutions are specifically designed to meet the SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) constraints of drone platforms.

NIT’s SWIR Product Portfolio for UAV Solar Inspection

High-Resolution SWIR Cameras

For turnkey inspection systems, NIT offers:

• High-resolution SWIR cameras up to Full HD
• Robust industrial interfaces (CameraLink, USB, GigE, depending on model)
• High dynamic range and low readout noise
• Suitable for R&D, pilot projects, and operational deployments

SenS 1920

Board-Level & Naked SWIR Modules

For tight UAV integrations, NIT provides:

• Naked sensor modules and board-level SWIR cameras
• Lightweight and compact form factors
• Easy integration into custom gimbals or payloads
• Optimized for embedded vision and aerial platforms

WiDy SenS 640/ WiDy NaNo 640

SWIR InGaAs Sensors

NIT designs and manufactures high-performance InGaAs SWIR sensors, offering:

• Resolutions up to Full HD (1920 × 1080)
• Low noise and high sensitivity
• Excellent uniformity and stability
• Ideal for OEM drone payload developers

SWIR Sensor NSC1601

SWIR Drone-Based Inspection: Enabling the Next Generation of Solar Farm Monitoring

The integration of SWIR imaging into drone inspection workflows opens the door to data-driven solar asset management. High-quality SWIR data can be combined with analytics and AI tools to automate defect detection, prioritize maintenance, and optimize system performance.

As solar farms continue to grow in scale and complexity, the need for accurate, efficient, and scalable inspection technologies will only increase. SWIR drone imaging stands out as a future-proof solution that delivers both precision and operational efficiency.

By combining SWIR imaging and drone technology, solar operators gain access to more precise diagnostics, earlier fault detection, and higher inspection efficiency.

With its complete portfolio of SWIR sensors, modules, and cameras, NIT supports UAV manufacturers, system integrators, and solar inspection specialists in deploying reliable, high-performance aerial inspection solutions.

Introduction

New Imaging Technologies (NIT), a LYNRED company, announces that theLiSa SWIR 2048R M-STE2 is now available for order. The camera was first presented at SPIE Photonics West 2026 and is now ready for commercial deployment.

Rectangular-Pixel SWIR Camera

The LiSa SWIR 2048R is a rectangular-pixel SWIR camera optimized for Spectroscopy and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). Based on the proven LiSa SWIR 2048 v2 platform, it features a rectangular pixel format (8 × 200 µm) designed for spectroscopic and line-scan optical architectures, enabling efficient light collection and high signal performance in demanding applications.

The LiSa SWIR camera family also includes the LiSa SWIR 2048 standard version, a line-scan SWIR camera widely used in industrial inspection applications such as material sorting, semiconductor inspection, and quality control, where reliability, sensitivity, and robustness are critical.

With the commercial availability of theLiSa SWIR 2048R, NIT further expands its LiSa SWIR portfolio, offering tailored SWIR camera solutions forindustrial, scientific, and medical instrument manufacturers.

For ordering information or technical details, don’t hesitate to get in touch with NIT

Introduction

NIT Launches LiSa SWIR 2048R M-STE2, Rectangular SWIR Camera at SPIE Photonics West 2026

New Imaging Technologies (NIT) announces the launch of LiSa SWIR 2048R M-STE2, a new rectangular-pixel SWIR camera based on the proven LiSaSWIR 2048 v2 platform. The new camera will be officially introduced at SPIE Photonics West 2026, taking place from January 20 to 22, 2026, in San Francisco, USA.

LiSaSWIR 2048 v2 Launch

Rectangular SWIR camera’s Key features

The LiSa SWIR 2048R M-STE2 has been specifically designed for hyperspectral imaging, spectroscopy, and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) applications. It features a rectangular pixel format of 8 × 200 µm, optimized for line-scan and spectroscopic optical architectures. This geometry enables efficient light collection and enhanced performance in applications requiring precise spectral information.

• Rectangular pixel (8×200µm)
• Application: Hyperspectral imaging, spectroscopy, OCT

By extending the LiSa SWIR 2048 v2 camera into a rectangular format, NIT expands its LiSa SWIR camera family, offering system integrators and instrument manufacturers greater flexibility for advanced SWIR system designs while maintaining the performance, reliability, and robustness expected from NIT solutions.

Upcoming launch at SPIE Photonics West 2026

NIT will showcase the LiSa SWIR 2048R M-STE2 SWIR camera at booth #1866 during SPIE Photonics West 2026. Visitors are invited to meet the NIT team to learn more about this new camera and discuss application requirements.

Meet the NIT team on site:

• Régis Tulaza –  Director of Sales
• Martin du Tertre – Regional Sales Manager
• Martin Schweitzer -Technical Manager

About New Imaging Technologies (NIT)

New Imaging Technologies (NIT), a Lynred company, designs and manufactures high-performance SWIR cameras and image sensors for scientific, industrial, and defense applications.

2025 SWIR Camera Performance Milestones and Prepares for 2026

As 2025 comes to a close, New Imaging Technologies (NIT) highlights the key achievements that have shaped its SWIR camera roadmap over the past year. Throughout 2025, NIT continued to strengthen its position as a leading designer and manufacturer of Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) cameras, focusing on performance, system integration, and reliability for industrial inspection, scientific, and defense applications.

Driven by growing market demand for higher speed, higher resolution, and easier integration, NIT’s developments in 2025 addressed the evolving requirements of advanced imaging systems.

High-Speed and High-Resolution Line-Scan SWIR Camera Performance

One of the most significant milestones of 2025 was the advancement of line-scan SWIR camera technology, achieving line rates above 110 kHz for high-throughput applications. These speeds enable faster inspection processes in environments where productivity and accuracy are critical.

In parallel, NIT introduced a new line-scan generation, LiSaSWIR 2048 v2, featuring a 2048 × 1 resolution with an 8 µm pixel pitch, combining increased spatial resolution with high acquisition speed. This evolution supports more detailed inspection while maintaining the throughput required in industrial inspection and related applications.

These capabilities are exemplified by the latest line-scan developments, which are designed to support demanding use cases such as materials inspection, semiconductor processing, and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), where both speed and precision are essential.

High-Speed Area-Scan SWIR Imaging for Dynamic Applications

In the area-scan segment, NIT continued to push the limits of high-speed SWIR imaging. During 2025, its SWIR cameras enabled frame rates of up to 1 kHz full-frame, with up to 10 kHz in region-of-interest (ROI) modes.

These high frame rates, combined with ultra-short exposure times, enable the accurate capture of fast, dynamic scenes while maintaining image quality and sensitivity. Such performance is particularly relevant for applications involving motion analysis, real-time monitoring, and time-critical imaging processes.

WiDy SenS 320

By expanding both line-scan and area-scan performance, NIT reinforced its ability to address a wide range of SWIR imaging requirements using consistent technologies and platforms.

OEM-Optimized SWIR Camera Platforms and Interfaces

Beyond raw performance, 2025 also marked continued progress in OEM-optimized SWIR camera architecture. NIT focused on delivering compact, rugged, and integration-ready platforms designed to simplify system development for industrial and defense customers.
These platforms support a variety of interfaces and system configurations, enabling reliable board-to-board and board-to-cable integration while maintaining robustness in challenging operational environments. This approach reflects NIT’s long-term commitment to supporting embedded system designers and system integrators with SWIR cameras that are both high-performance and practical to deploy.

WiDy SenS 320 GigE | SenS 1920 Compact CamLink.

Full HD SWIR Camera Integration Successes

During 2025, Full HD SWIR cameras, SenS 1920,  achieved successful integration into advanced industrial and defense systems. These integration successes confirm the maturity and reliability of NIT’s high-resolution SWIR imaging solutions in demanding operational conditions.

By combining Full HD resolution with optimized interfaces and stable performance, NIT’s SWIR cameras continue to meet the expectations of customers developing complex imaging systems with long lifecycle requirements.

Looking Ahead to 2026: Meet NIT at SPIE Photonics West

SWIR cameras will be presented at NIT’s booth, SPIE Photonics West 2026

Looking forward, NIT will continue to advance its SWIR camera portfolio in 2026, with a focus on performance scalability, integration efficiency, and application-driven innovation.

NIT invites customers and partners to meet its team at SPIE Photonics West 2026, taking place in San Francisco, California, from January 20 to 22, 2026, at Booth #1866.

Book your appointment

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore NIT’s comprehensive SWIR camera portfolio, spanning line-scan to Full HD, and discuss upcoming projects with NIT and LYNRED experts, who will also be present to share their expertise in infrared technologies.

Season’s Greetings and Office Closure

NIT thanks its customers, partners, and collaborators for their continued trust throughout 2025 and wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Please note that NIT offices will be closed on December 25, 2025, and January 1, 2026.

About New Imaging Technologies (NIT)

New Imaging Technologies (NIT) designs and manufactures high-performance SWIR sensors and SWIR cameras for industrial inspection, scientific research, defense, and medical applications. Based in France, NIT delivers advanced SWIR imaging solutions optimized for demanding environments and system-level integration.