Does a SWIR camera sensitive to thermal energy?

[sam1275]

I already think it's very small and handy, just imaging the omega is smaller than mine, wow...

[Fraser]

Even though it is an Alpha, it may be worth trying Omega control software with it. FLIR still support the Micron A10 and I suspect you can download the control softwRe for an A10 on their support site. I would need to check.

In Précis, the whole family of these cameras has the Alpha first, then the Omega, followed by the Photon and the TAU. They are all Indigo design technology that has just developed over the years. Very neat little cameras.
Other mini thermal cameras such as the Quark have followed, but I am uncertain of their lineage.
 
Fraser

[Bill W]

How many versions of Alpha were there ?  Was it just an oddity of the wide lens to have had an external shutter ?
That said the serial number of the one I have run up is 00066 !
Pics later, but it is not a very well camera

A link to a short report on these cameras from 2000
http://proceedings.spiedigitallibrary.org/data/Conferences/SPIEP/34854/65_1.pdf


Bill

[Fraser]

Bill,

The ALPHA was, at the time, ground breaking technology in terms of its compact format and capabilities. It would not surprise me if custom 'specials' exist as the result of specific customer needs. Much like Pulnix 'building block' visible light cameras can be found in all manner of formats and brand names to suit industrial applications. As I am sure you know, it was designed to be a versatile thermal imaging platform for UAV use so I feel sure many different optical path options were available for the military.

I know a little about these ALPHA cameras as I worked with one many years ago but sadly I have not been able to buy an example from the USA when they come up in auctions because of export controls on them A nice OMEGA sold recently for only around $300. I was very sad to have not been able to buy it.

Bill, if your Alpha ever needs to be re-homed, please think of me, even if it is broken.

Fraser

[Bill W]

The images as promised from an early Indigo Alpha...




Startup logo



Bland room scene, and this is a good one right after NUC.  Degenerated to severe columns and repetitive suggesting common readout circuitry every 16 pixels.
however for civil use remember that the competition was Pevicons !



Better once there is something to look at



The requisite soldering iron image



The software provided (!)