Going smaller - a challenge we can meet

August 2018

Introduction of 12µm optimized catalog lenses at CIOE 2018

The last two years have seen an increase in pace as the market moves towards the next generation of uncooled LWIR detectors. The first 12 micron detectors were launched several years ago and today we see many detector manufacturers offering 12 micron and 10 micron detectors. The trend is clear with the smaller pixel pitch detectors moving towards the mainstream and starting to displace the current generation of 17 micron detectors. 

There are several advantages to the new generation of detectors. Cost to manufacture the detector is the main advantage, so, for most applications the new 10 and 12 micron technology will eventually win. Clearly, the reduced cost comes from the reduced size of the detector, allowing more detectors per wafer. The smaller detector also allows for smaller, lighter and lower cost systems for many applications. There is still some work to be done to bring these detectors to maturity and the challenges of the 12 micron architecture should not be underestimated. So, it may be some time before the full cost benefit can be realized. 

The disadvantages are more subtle. The smaller pixel pitch directly requires higher resolution from the optics and indirectly gives lower system sensitivity. Both of these drive a requirement for faster, more complex, optics that collect more light. As the f/numbers become faster, the first thing we see is the size of the optics increasing, negating some of the size, weight and cost saving expected. For wider angles systems, we start to see a need for more lens elements. This may reverse the trend and make the system larger and heavier, and will certainly add to the lens and therefore system cost. Another important influence for some applications, is that the in-focus range will be reduced. This can be countered by the use of mechanical focusing, but will, once more increase size, weight and cost. 

Many of Umicore’s catalogue lenses are already suitable for use with these new generation detectors. In addition we are preparing several new lenses aimed specifically at these detectors. We are excited to announce the launch of the first of these lenses at CIOE in Shenzhen. Key features for the new lenses include higher resolutions, faster f/numbers, and new interfaces specific to 12 micron detectors. There is a f=9mm lens intended for QVGA detectors and two longer focal length lenses, f=18mm and f=25mm, intended for VGA detectors. These lenses are f/1.0, with high resolution optics to make the most of the new pixel pitch. They are also designed to be compact and low weight to bring the best possible SWaP-C systems. If you are interested in these lenses or any others, please contact us, or drop in to the booth at CIOE in Shenzhen.