Unmanned Systems Technology 033 l SubSeaSail Gen6 USSV l Servo actuators focus l UAVs insight l Farnborough 2020 update l Transforma XDBOT l Strange Development REVolution l Radio telemetry focus

Sony has unveiled miniature single-chip megapixel sensors that for the first time can capture images in visible light and short- wave infrared (SWIR) at the same time (writes Nick Flaherty). They use Sony’s SenSWIR technology with a 5 μm pixel, the industry’s smallest, for industrial applications. SenSWIR uses photodiodes formed on an indium gallium arsenide compound semiconductor layer and connected via a copper- to-copper connection with the silicon layer rather than a solder bump. Using this approach for the readout circuit enables high sensitivity over wavelengths from 0.4 to 1.7 μm, as well as the smaller pixel size and a digital output. Sony has used the technology in two compact sensors for cameras and test equipment for a range of industrial equipment such as materials selection, contaminant inspection and semiconductor inspection. The combination of visible and SWIR imaging allows a wider range of materials to be detected from a single sensor rather than multiple units. This reduces the system cost and provides faster detection speeds thanks to the reduced image processing load, allowing for a dramatic expansion in testing range. The first product to use this sensor, the IMX990, is a 1/2-type (8.2 mm diagonal) global shutter design with a 1.34 effective megapixel SWIR image sensor. It is packaged in a ceramic LGA and PGA package with a built-in thermoelectric cooling device. An 8-bit output provides 130 fps, falling to 70 fps with a 12-bit resolution. The power rails are 2.2 V, 1.2 V (pixel); 3.3 V, 2.2 V (analogue); 1.2 V (digital); and 1.8 V (interface). The second sensor, the IMX991 is a 1/4-type (4.1 mm diagonal) design with a 0.34 effective megapixel SWIR sensor in the same packages and with the same power rails and outputs. However, the sensors initially cost upwards of $8000, which is typically the cost of a camera itself, so the smaller size will command a premium. First for visible/SWIR Sensors The Sony dual-capture sensors reduce systems cost and boost detection speed