Project Overview
Shanghai Optics developed a custom SWIR hyperspectral camera lens for an industrial imaging application requiring high optical transmission, excellent image quality, and stable performance across the 1000–2500 nm spectral range. The project focused on balancing optical performance, compact mechanical design, and manufacturability for integration into a hyperspectral imaging system.
This case study demonstrates how Shanghai Optics combines optical engineering, precision manufacturing, and system optimization to develop high-performance SWIR imaging solutions for scientific and industrial applications.
Engineering Challenge
Hyperspectral imaging systems require objective lenses capable of maintaining excellent image quality while covering a broad spectral range. Unlike conventional imaging optics, hyperspectral lenses must simultaneously optimize transmission, chromatic correction, distortion, and thermal stability without compromising system size or manufacturability.
For this project, Shanghai Optics developed a compact SWIR optical system optimized for 1000–2500 nm, supporting high-resolution spectral imaging across demanding operating environments.
Applications of SWIR Hyperspectral Cameras
SWIR hyperspectral cameras are widely used wherever materials must be identified based on their spectral characteristics rather than their visible appearance. Shanghai Optics develops optical solutions supporting a broad range of scientific and industrial applications.
Typical applications include:
- Agricultural inspection for crop health assessment, moisture analysis, and food quality control.
- Geological exploration for mineral classification and material identification.
- Biomedical and pharmaceutical analysis requiring accurate spectral measurements.
- Art conservation and archaeology for non-destructive material characterization.
- Industrial inspection for defect detection and process monitoring.
Optical System Architecture
A hyperspectral imaging system consists of three primary optical components working together to capture accurate spectral information.
Objective Lens : Collects incoming light while maintaining high transmission, low distortion, and excellent image quality throughout the operating wavelength range.
Spectroscopic Module: Separates incoming light into individual wavelengths using precision dispersive optics, enabling detailed spectral analysis.
Detector: Captures the separated spectral information and converts it into digital image data for processing and analysis.
Technical Specifications
A high-performance SWIR hyperspectral lens typically features the following specifications:
- Wavelength Range: 1000-2500 nm, allowing for comprehensive spectral data capture.
- F-Number (F#): 2.8, which balances light sensitivity and depth of field.
- Effective Focal Length (EFFL): 30mm, suitable for various imaging applications.
- Field of View (FOV): ±15°, providing a broad scanning area for target analysis.
Optical Performance
High image quality is critical for hyperspectral imaging applications where accurate spectral information depends on both spatial resolution and optical consistency.
The developed SWIR lens delivers:
- High MTF across the imaging field
- Excellent transmission throughout 1000–2500 nm
- Stable optical performance from -20°C to 50°C
- Compact optical package (<50 mm)
- Low distortion for spectral accuracy
These characteristics enable reliable operation across industrial and scientific imaging environments.
Project Results
The final optical design successfully balanced spectral performance, imaging quality, thermal stability, and compact mechanical integration, resulting in a high-performance SWIR hyperspectral camera lens suitable for demanding industrial and scientific applications.
Key project outcomes include:
- Broad spectral coverage (1000–2500 nm), enabling comprehensive hyperspectral data acquisition across the SWIR spectrum.
- F/2.8 optical design, providing an excellent balance between light collection efficiency and depth of field for high-quality imaging.
- 30 mm effective focal length with a ±15° field of view, delivering accurate spectral imaging while maintaining a compact optical configuration.
- Compact mechanical design (<50 mm overall length), allowing straightforward integration into hyperspectral camera systems with limited installation space.
- Stable optical performance across varying operating temperatures, ensuring reliable imaging quality in laboratory, industrial, and outdoor environments.
- High MTF and excellent transmission, supporting high-resolution spectral analysis with consistent image quality across the entire field of view.
The completed optical system provides customers with a compact, high-performance hyperspectral imaging solution optimized for industrial inspection, semiconductor analysis, agricultural monitoring, scientific research, and OEM system integration. By combining precision optical engineering with manufacturable design, Shanghai Optics successfully delivered a solution that balances imaging performance, mechanical integration, and production readiness.
Conclusion
This project demonstrates Shanghai Optics’ capability to develop custom SWIR hyperspectral imaging lenses that balance imaging performance, manufacturability, and system integration. From optical design through prototype development and production, our engineering team provides customized infrared optical solutions for demanding scientific and industrial applications.
Need a Custom Hyperspectral Imaging Lens?
Whether you’re developing a SWIR hyperspectral camera, scientific imaging instrument, or OEM optical system, Shanghai Optics provides engineering support from concept through production.
