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Comparing Sensitivity of Thermal Imaging Camera Modules
by John Palmeri
on May 15 2026
Thermal imagers make pictures from heat, also called infrared (IR) or thermal energy. They capture IR energy and use that energy to create images through digital or analog video outputs, with the details defined by differences in temperature. Heat is a separate part of the electromagnetic spectrum versus typical visible light. A camera that can detect visible light won’t see thermal energy, and vice versa.
New FLIR Camera Technology Provides Unmatched Perimeter Security So Users Can Detect, Track, and Act
by Eirik Solberg
on Jul 24 2025
New FLIR Camera Technology Provides Unmatched Perimeter Security So Users Can Detect, Track, and Act
by Eirik Solberg
on Jun 27 2024
Latest Hadron 640 Models Bring enhanced Thermal Sensitivity and SWaP-Optimized Design for Out-of-the-Box Integration
GOLETA, Calif. and PARIS, France — June 12, 2024 ― Teledyne FLIR, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, today released its next generation of high-performance Hadron 640 dual radiometric thermal and visible camera modules. The ITAR-free Hadron 640+ and radiometric Hadron 640R+ provide industry-leading thermal sensitivity. All models are size, weight, and power (SWaP) optimized for integration into unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned ground vehicles (UGV), robotic platforms, and emerging AI applications utilizing Teledyne FLIR Prism™ software.
“The Hadron 640 series gives integrators the opportunity to deploy AI-ready, high-performance dual-camera modules into small unmanned systems where SWaP, performance, run time, and battery life are mission critical,” said Michael Walters, Vice President Product Management, Teledyne FLIR. “With Teledyne FLIR’s new Prism AI detection, tracking, and classification models and Prism ISP libraries offering super-resolution, turbulence mitigation, contrast enhancement, and more, Hadron 640 also enables effective AI-based applications.”
The new Hadron 640 modules include a 640 x 512 resolution Boson+ longwave infrared (LWIR) camera module with industry-leading thermal sensitivity of 20 millikelvin (mK) or better. It sees through total darkness, smoke, most fog, and glare allowing operational awareness day and night. The Hadron 640R+ provides temperature measurements for every pixel in the scene. The addition of a 64MP visible camera enables the Hadron 640 series to provide both thermal and visible imagery within a single camera module.
“Continued collaboration with Teledyne FLIR enables rapid payload and performance innovation for Teal drones, accelerates time to market, and equips warfighters with the best possible technology for operational success,” said George Matus, CTO of Red Cat. “The Hadron 640 series features enhanced thermal sensitivity and HD visible cameras to provide superior performance within a compact package for the support of our NATO allies and the U.S. Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance Tranche 2 program of record.”
To reduce development costs and time-to-market for integrators and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) product developers, the Hadron 640 series offers a complete system through a single supplier. This includes drivers for market-leading processors from NVIDIA, Qualcomm, and more, plus industry-leading integration support and service from a Teledyne FLIR support team of experts.
The Hadron 640 series products are all dual use and classified under US Department of Commerce jurisdiction. It is available for purchase globally from OEMCameras.com
https://youtu.be/GJU_gogrw5A?si=D5xgoCux3FDTTOLs
Teledyne FLIR Introduces Neutrino LC OGI Camera Module for Optical-Gas-Imaging Camera Developers
by Eirik Solberg
on Jan 30 2024
Mid-wave infrared imaging module provides rapid leak detection of methane and other hydrocarbons within a SWaP-optimized integration package
GOLETA, Calif. – Jan. 30, 2024 – Teledyne FLIR, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, announced the Neutrino LC OGI optical gas imaging camera module, a made-in-the-USA, ITAR-free, mid-wave infrared (MWIR) imager for products designed to detect, measure, and visualize harmful gas emissions. The Neutrino LC OGI provides best-in-class performance within a small, lightweight, and low-power module for integration into unmanned aerial vehicles, small gimbals, handheld devices, and fixed-mounted gas leak detection systems.
The MWIR spectral band is used to accurately detect the greenhouse gas methane and other hydrocarbons, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The Neutrino LC OGI offers multiple modes: a 640×512 VGA resolution mode with up to eight times digital zoom to maximize scene awareness; or it can operate in bin mode, which can improve sensitivity to an industry-leading <20 millikelvins (mK) to create a crisper, higher-contrast image for pinpointing leaks.
“The detection and mitigation of harmful hydrocarbon and chemical leaks into the air represents a significant priority for regulators and impacted industries,” said Dan Walker, vice president of product management, Teledyne FLIR. “The Neutrino LC OGI is the low-risk and high-performing OEM camera module for integrators developing methane monitoring and other gas imaging solutions today.”
The size, weight, and power (SWaP) optimized Neutrino LC OGI features Teledyne FLIR’s High Operating Temperature (HOT) FPA technology and a quiet, low-vibration, and long-life linear micro cooler. Reliability and an industry-best two-year warranty make it the integrator’s module of choice where rapid leak detection and operational uptime are critical within processing facilities, refineries, pipelines, tank farms, and well pads for the oil and gas industry.
Integrators also gain access to the Teledyne FLIR professional technical support team, a full suite of hardware accessories, and a software development kit (SDK) to simplify and reduce the cost of development.
ABOUT TELEDYNE FLIR
Teledyne FLIR, a Teledyne Technologies company, is a world leader in intelligent sensing solutions for defense and industrial applications, with approximately 4,000 employees worldwide. Founded in 1978, the company creates advanced technologies to help professionals make better, faster decisions that save lives and livelihoods.
For more information on the Neutrino LC OGI, please visit www.OEMCameras.com.
Teledyne FLIR debuts SIRAS Drone for Public Safety and Industrial Inspection
by Eirik Solberg
on Sep 06 2022
GOLETA, Calif. and LAS VEGAS – Sept. 6, 2022 ― Teledyne FLIR, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY), today launched SIRAS™, a professional drone that includes a quick-connect dual radiometric thermal and visible camera payload. Engineered for data security, performance, and affordability, SIRAS is optimized for industrial and utility inspection, public safety, firefighting, and search and rescue missions.
“Designed to provide pilots with flexibility to get the job done, SIRAS delivers a geofence-free flight experience with thermal and visible imaging capabilities at $9,695 USD,” said, Mike Walters, vice president, product management, Teledyne FLIR. “SIRAS is the only enterprise drone to currently incorporate the patented MSX® technology, which overlays the edge detail from the visible camera on the thermal image to provide critical information in real time.”
The IP-54-rated aircraft features a 31-minute flight time, radar-based front collision avoidance, and backpack portability, so professional UAV pilots can fly safely when and where the mission demands. The included Vue® TV128 payload features a quick-connect gimbal, which provides imagery compatible with FLIR Thermal Studio™ and leading third-party photogrammetry applications. The 16MP visible camera can zoom 128x to pinpoint details. The integrated 640×512 pixel, radiometric Boson® provides best-in-class thermal imagery, 5x digital zoom, and temperature-measurement of every pixel in the scene.
With a startup time of one minute, pilots can get eyes on the scene quickly and maintain control via a dual-band radio (2.4/5.8 GHz) connection, while hot swappable batteries ensure efficient operation. To improve data security, SIRAS stores imagery on an onboard SD card and does not include cloud connection capability. Furthermore, pilots are not required to create an online profile, increasing ease of use and reducing potential unintended online data access.
The SIRAS aircraft was designed in collaboration with and is manufactured by Coretronic Intelligent Robotics Corporation (CIRC) in Taiwan, a subsidiary of Coretronic Group. Final payload integration and quality control are completed in the USA.
SIRAS will begin shipping in the fourth quarter of 2022 in the US with additional regional availability information provided at www.teledyneflir.com/siras. SIRAS is dual use and classified under US Department of Commerce jurisdiction as EAR 6A003.b.4.a.
Teledyne FLIR Introduces Hadron 640R Dual Thermal-Visible Camera for Unmanned Systems
by Eirik Solberg
on Apr 25 2022
Teledyne FLIR Hadron 640R combined radiometric thermal and visible dual camera module.
by Eirik Solberg
on Apr 06 2022
Enhanced LWIR thermal performance with size, weight, and power (SWaP) leadership provides low-risk development for unmanned platforms, security applications, handhelds, wearables, and thermal sights
Teledyne FLIR, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, today announced the Boson+ with thermal sensitivity of 20 millikelvin (mK) or less, making it the most sensitive longwave infrared (LWIR) camera in the market. It shares the industry-leading SWaP of the widely deployed and real-world-proven Boson thermal camera module. With identical mechanical, electrical, and optical interfaces, the Boson+ is a drop-in upgrade that also includes updated image processing to deliver enhanced sharpness and contrast for defense and commercial applications.
“Improved thermal sensitivity and automatic gain control (AGC) allows for more scene detail in the image for better detection, specifically in outdoor low-contrast scenes,” said Dan Walker, vice president, product management, OEM cores, Teledyne FLIR. “Improved thermal performance and proven market-leading reliability make it the ideal uncooled thermal module for integration in unmanned platforms, security applications, handhelds, wearables, and thermal sights.”
Made in the USA, the Boson+ includes a redesigned 640 x 512 resolution, 12-micron pixel pitch detector with a noise equivalent differential temperature (NEDT) of 20 mK or less which offers significantly enhanced detection, recognition, and identification (DRI) performance. Improved video latency enhances tracking, seeker performance, and decision support.
The shared Boson series interface and access to the US-based Teledyne FLIR Technical Services team reduce development risk and shorten time to market. Truly designed for integrators, the Boson+ is available with a variety of lens options, comprehensive product documentation, an easy-to-use SDK, and a user-friendly GUI. Boson+ is dual-use and classified under US Department of Commerce jurisdiction as EAR 6A003.b.4.a.
The Teledyne FLIR Boson+ is available for purchase globally from OEMCameras.com.
by Eirik Solberg
on Jan 18 2022
New Thermal Camera Models and the Boson GUI 3.0 Provide More Flexibility and Development Support Features for Industrial, Commercial, and Defense Integrators
January 18, 2022 – The Teledyne FLIR radiometric Boson® thermal infrared camera module is now available in five additional configurations. The new models offer an 8°, 18°, 32°, 50°, or 95° horizontal field of view (FOV), are 640 x 512 resolution, and further enable development of next-generation thermal imaging products and systems. To streamline design and testing while minimizing development cost, developers can also leverage the new Boson GUI 3.0 and its key radiometric command capabilities with the Boson thermal camera module.
“The five new Boson models feature radiometric temperature measurement, meaning the cameras capture the temperature data of every pixel in every frame of a scene,” said Dan Walker, vice president, product management OEM, Teledyne FLIR. “Used in unmanned aerial systems, firefighting, automotive, security, surveillance, and industrial inspection products, these new models offer greater flexibility and options in supporting industrial, commercial, and defense integrators requiring high thermal image resolution within a small, lightweight, and low-power package.”
The Boson GUI 3.0 provides the ability to quickly access and adjust radiometry settings, critical to high-speed integration cycles balancing schedule, cost, and performance. Optimizing radiometric parameters and using spot meters and regions of interest (ROI) with real-time statistics allow for optimization during development testing and tuning. Extensive isotherm controls, commonly used in products for industrial inspection and emergency response UAS missions, enable the GUI to highlight objects in the scene at temperatures of interest. Data fusion, an important capability for systems using complementary sensors such as visible cameras, can be explored using the Boson GUI 3.0 external sync capability.
All Boson thermal camera modules feature FLIR infrared video processing architecture, noise reduction filters, and local-area contrast, utilizing a high sensitivity 12-micron pixel pitch detector that provides high-resolution thermal imaging in a small, lightweight, and low-power package. The image processing capabilities accommodate industry-standard communication interfaces, including visible CMOS and USB.
The new Teledyne FLIR Boson Radiometric camera core models are available globally through Teledyne FLIR and preferred distributors. The Boson GUI 3.0 is available for Windows 10 64-bit systems, while the predecessor Boson GUI 1.4.4, operating on 32-bit systems, remains available. For more information about Boson radiometric thermal camera modules, please visit https://oemcameras.com
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