SWIR Cameras for Ground-Based Laser Communication: Clearer Signals, Even in Harsh Conditions
Ground-based laser communication systems are key to enabling ultra-fast, high-bandwidth data transmission between fixed stations, satellites, or mobile units. However, ensuring signal stability and precision in these systems is far from simple.
Ground-based Laser Communication Challenges:
They face several challenges:
- Atmospheric interference from fog, haze, smoke, or dust can scatter or block laser beams.
- Variable lighting conditions, including day-night transitions and background glare, can affect beam detection.
- Beam alignment and tracking require real-time, high-precision monitoring, often at long distances.
- Security and reliability demand clear, uninterrupted optical paths.
SWIR imaging (Short-Wave Infrared) provides a powerful solution to these issues. Unlike visible-light systems, SWIR cameras can “see” through challenging atmospheric conditions, offering higher contrast and better beam visibility. SWIR also enables covert operation, as many laser wavelengths used in telecom fall within the SWIR band.
Recommended SWIR Cameras for Laser Communication:
- SenS 1920: A Full HD, high-sensitivity SWIR camera, very low-noise of 25e-delivering exceptional image quality in degraded conditions—ideal for long-range beam profiling and precision tracking.
- WiDy SenS 320: A compact, high-speed QVGA SWIR camera, 1kHz Full frame, 10kHz (ROI), Ultra-short exposure times down to 10 µs, even 1µs in option. It is ideal for systems operating in rapidly changing lighting conditions.
From optical alignment to atmospheric monitoring, NIT SWIR cameras provide the performance and reliability required to keep ground-based laser communication systems operating at their best, regardless of weather conditions.
New Imaging Technologies (NIT), part of LYNRED, designs and manufactures advanced SWIR InGaAs sensors and cameras in France, tailored for demanding applications like laser communication.
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