A Smartphone That Sees Red
August 13, 2015 | Raytheon CompanyEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
Raytheon and Seek Thermal have created a smartphone-compatible infrared camera that would fit right in to 007's stash of spy tools.
The camera detects infrared energy and converts it into an image visible to humans. That allows us to virtually see beyond the spectrum of visible light.
Raytheon has been a leader in infrared technology for more than five decades, developing revolutionary military products like the Multi-Spectral Targeting System, handheld integrated targeting system and ATFLIR. But it’s the company’s pioneering work in microbolometers - thermal detectors that are one-fifth the width of a human hair - that have made it possible to offer affordable, next-generation consumer products like the Seek Thermal camera. Microbolometers are also found in Raytheon’s thermal weapon sights and some cars, which use the technology for heads-up displays.
“We can now put high-performance infrared technology in the hands of consumers,” said Jeff Hamers, Raytheon’s project lead for Seek Thermal. “Just a few years ago, that wasn’t an option. But the technology has evolved to the point where people can use these infrared cameras in their everyday lives.”
The device is practical as well as futuristic, according to Hamers.
“Do-it-yourselfers are using it to pinpoint clogs in their water pipes and to locate energy inefficiencies in their houses,” he said. “I’ve talked to sportsmen who’ve used it to track game. We’re hearing about new uses for it all the time.”
Seek Thermal has only been on the market since October, yet it is already turning heads in the photonics industry. At a ceremony in San Francisco earlier this year, the International Society of Optics and Photonics (SPIE) and Photonics Media honored Raytheon and Seek Thermal with a Prism Award, one of the industry’s most prestigious honors, in the category of imaging and cameras.
“This recognition is a testament to the successful transition of defense technology to commercial use,” said Dr. Leonard Chen, director of technology at Raytheon Vision Systems.
Seek Thermal has a resolution of 206 x 156 pixels, setting it apart from conventional consumer thermal imaging products, which offer resolution as low as 60x40 pixels. There are two versions available on the commercial market – Seek Thermal and Seek Thermal XR (Extra Range). The baseline version offers a 36 degree field of view with a fixed focus, while the XR has a 20 degree field of view with an adjustable focus. Both are compatible with iPhones and Android devices.
Suggested Items
Koh Young Showcases Award-winning Inspection Solutions at SMTconnect with SmartRep in Hall 4A.225
04/25/2024 | Koh Young TechnologyKoh Young Technology, the industry leader in True 3D measurement-based inspection solutions, will showcase an array of award-winning inspection and measurement solutions at SMTconnect alongside its sales partner, SmartRep, in booth 4A.225 at NürnbergMesse from June 11-13, 2023. The following offers a glimpse into what Koh Young will present at the tradeshow:
Real Time with… IPC APEX EXPO 2024: Plasmatreat: Innovative Surface Preparation Solutions
04/25/2024 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOIn this interview, Editor Nolan Johnson speaks with Hardev Grewal, CEO and president of Plasmatreat, a developer of atmospheric plasma solutions. Plasmatreat uses clean compressed air and electricity to create plasma, offering environmentally friendly methods for surface preparation. Their technology measures plasma density for process optimization and can remove organic micro-contamination. Nolan and Hardev also discuss REDOX-Tool, a new technology for removing metal oxides.
Nanotechnology Market to Surpass $53.51 Billion by 2031
04/25/2024 | PRNewswireSkyQuest projects that the nanotechnology market will attain a value of USD 53.51 billion by 2031, with a CAGR of 36.4% over the forecast period (2024-2031).
Cadence, TSMC Collaborate on Wide-Ranging Innovations to Transform System and Semiconductor Design
04/25/2024 | Cadence Design SystemsCadence Design Systems, Inc. and TSMC have extended their longstanding collaboration by announcing a broad range of innovative technology advancements to accelerate design, including developments ranging from 3D-IC and advanced process nodes to design IP and photonics.
SMC Korea 2024 to Highlight Semiconductor Materials Trends and Innovations on Industry’s Path to $1 Trillion
04/24/2024 | SEMIWith Korea a major consumer of semiconductor materials and advanced materials a key driver of innovation on the industry’s path to $1 trillion, industry leaders and experts will gather at SMC (Strategic Materials Conference) Korea 2024 on May 29 at the Suwon Convention Center in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea to provide insights into the latest materials developments and trends. Registration is open.