The Challenge of Détection and Identifying Small Drones

The rapid adoption of small unmanned aerial systems (UAS) across both commercial and non-cooperative applications has significantly increased the need for effective counter-UAS (C-UAS) solutions.

However, detecting and identifying small drones remains a complex task. These platforms typically present:

• Low radar cross-section (RCS), making them difficult to track
• Low contrast targets, especially against bright or cluttered sky backgrounds
• Operation in complex environments, including urban areas and degraded visibility conditions

While multiple sensing modalities are often combined in C-UAS architectures, achieving reliable identification – not just detection – remains a key challenge.

SWIR Solutions as a Complementary Sensing Layer

SWIR sensors and cameras are increasingly integrated as a complementary imaging layer within C-UAS systems, alongside radar, visible, and thermal technologies.

Operating in a reflective imaging regime, SWIR shares similarities with visible imaging while offering enhanced performance in conditions where standard cameras are limited.

Key Advantages of SWIR Solutions for Counter-UAS

• Better contrast against sky in certain lighting conditions
  SWIR sensors can improve the visibility of drones against bright or hazy skies, where visible imaging often struggles with low contrast.
• Material reflectivity differences
  Drone components such as plastics, composites, and coatings exhibit distinct reflectivity in the SWIR band, enabling improved target differentiation and supporting identification.
• Reduced atmospheric scattering vs visible
  SWIR wavelengths are less affected by haze and atmospheric effects, helping maintain image clarity in degraded environments and at longer stand-off distances.

Extending Capabilities with Gated SWIR Imaging

SWIR solutions can be combined with gated imaging techniques to further enhance detection and identification capabilities.

By leveraging very short exposure times synchronized with active illumination, gated SWIR imaging enables the selective acquisition of reflected light from a defined distance range. This allows the system to suppress background and focus on targets of interest.

This approach supports:

• Day/night operation and all-weather capability using a single sensor
• Improved identification through enhanced target visibility
• Target discrimination in cluttered scenes
• Extended observation range with improved scene clarity

Illustrative example: gated SWIR imaging can reveal the structure of a drone at a distance, improving identification compared to conventional imaging approaches.

SWIR Image shot with WiDy SenS 640

Video demo

Positioning vs Thermal Imaging in Counter-UAS system

Thermal imaging remains a key technology for detecting heat signatures and is often used as a detection channel, or complemented by radar or acoustic solutions in C-UAS systems.

SWIR solutions provide a different type of information:

Thermal imaging

• Detection of heat signatures
• Effective for initial detection
• Limited structural detail in certain scenarios

SWIR imaging

• Captures reflected light
• Provides shape, structure, and reflective features
• Supports improved identification and classification

Rather than replacing thermal imaging, SWIR acts as a complementary layer, particularly valuable when moving from detection to identification.

Supporting Identification in Complex Environments for Counter-UAS

C-UAS systems must operate across a wide range of conditions, including:

• Bright daylight with complex backgrounds
• Degraded visibility due to haze or atmospheric effects
• Long stand-off distances
• Cluttered scene environments

In these scenarios, SWIR solutions help maintain target contrast and clarity, enabling more reliable identification and decision-making.

NIT’s High-Performance SWIR Solutions for Integration

NIT develops high-performance SWIR sensors and cameras designed for integration into unmanned systems and security platforms.

Key features include:

• Resolution from qVGA to Full HD
• Very short exposure times down to 100 ns, enabling gated imaging
• High dynamic range up to 120 dB for challenging lighting conditions
• High sensitivity, supporting imaging in low-signal environments

To meet different integration requirements, NIT’s SWIR solutions are available in multiple formats:

• Sensor-level
• Board-level
• Camera modules (with or without housing)

A range of standard interfaces ensures compatibility with existing systems:

• USB3.0
• CameraLink
• HD-SDI
• GigE
• Analog
• Conclusion

As counter-UAS requirements continue to evolve, the ability to move beyond detection toward reliable identification is becoming increasingly important.

NIT’s SWIR solutions provide a valuable complementary imaging capability, offering enhanced contrast, reduced sensitivity to atmospheric effects, and access to structural and material information.

By integrating SWIR into multi-sensor architectures, system designers can strengthen identification performance—particularly in scenarios where traditional sensing technologies struggle.

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.