SWIR Vision Systems

SWIR Vision Systems, established in 2018, operates from North Carolina's Research Triangle Park as a spin-out from the non-profit research institute RTI International. The company was founded to commercialize a novel infrared camera technology developed at RTI, with initial advancements supported by grants from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The founding leadership team included CEO George Wildeman, a photonics industry veteran, and CTO Ethan Klem, who led the sensor's research and development at RTI. Allan Hilton, an NC State University alumnus, is also noted as a co-founder. In July 2024, the semiconductor manufacturer onsemi acquired SWIR Vision Systems, integrating it into its Intelligent Sensing Group, though the team continues to operate from North Carolina.

The firm specializes in short-wave infrared (SWIR) imaging technology based on colloidal quantum dots (CQD). This approach addresses the high cost and manufacturing complexity associated with traditional indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) based SWIR sensors. By depositing CQD semiconductor crystals directly onto silicon CMOS circuitry, the company creates monolithic photodetectors that are less expensive and more scalable. This business model is vertically integrated, with the company manufacturing its own sensors for its camera products. Revenue is generated through the sale of these cameras to clients in markets such as industrial machine vision, security, agriculture, defense, and automotive.

SWIR Vision Systems' core product line is the Acuros™ family of CQD-based cameras, first introduced in 2018. These cameras provide high-resolution imaging across the visible, near-infrared (NIR), and SWIR spectrums, from 400nm up to 2000nm in extended models. A key selling point is their ability to deliver high-resolution images—up to 6.3 megapixels—a significant increase compared to the resolution limits of many InGaAs cameras. The Acuros cameras are designed for demanding applications, offering features like high frame rates, global shutter operation, and programmable settings. They enable systems to see through materials like plastics and fabrics, and to perform in challenging conditions such as fog or extreme darkness, which is beneficial for applications ranging from silicon inspection and food inspection to autonomous vehicle imaging. The products are designated as EAR-99, meaning they do not require a license for export, simplifying their integration into global supply chains.

Keywords: SWIR imaging, colloidal quantum dots, CQD sensors, infrared cameras, machine vision, Acuros cameras, onsemi, RTI International, short-wave infrared, CMOS sensors, industrial automation, autonomous vehicles, security imaging, agricultural imaging, defense imaging, photodetectors, image sensor technology, Ethan Klem, George Wildeman, high-resolution imaging, silicon inspection, non-InGaAs