Introducing the HexaBlu™ Camera Core: A breakthrough in MWIR Technology

Sierra-Olympia Technologies, Inc. has unveiled its latest innovation, the HexaBlu™ camera core, designed for mid-wave infrared (MWIR) applications. The name “HexaBlu™” highlights its compact 6-micron pixel pitch, referred to as “Hexa,” and its durable, integrated dewar cooler assembly, known as “Blu.”

In collaboration with Leonardo DRS EOIS,the HexaBlu™ utilizes cutting-edge HDVIP® (High Density Vertically Integrated Photodiode) technology. Featuring a 1280×960 mercury cadmium telluride (HgCdTe) focal plane array (FPA),this camera core provides exceptional sensitivity and resolution,making it especially suitable for long-distance imaging tasks such as surveillance,target recognition,and tracking.

Compact Design and Versatile Applications

Weighing in at a mere 295 grams and occupying just 80 cm³, the HexaBlu™ boasts an impressively compact design. It surpasses earlier models by delivering four times the pixel count within the same spatial constraints.Its ultra-low size, weight, and power (SWaP) characteristics make it an excellent choice for various applications, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), ground-based robots, gimbals, and portable systems like weapon sights.

Brett Breazeale, Vice President of Programs at Leonardo DRS EOIS, notes, “The hexablu™ is so compact that it opens up possibilities for applications that traditionally wouldn’t accommodate a cryogenically cooled sensor.”

Extended Operational Life and Advanced features

With an impressive operational lifespan exceeding 27,000 hours (approximately three years), the HexaBlu™ is particularly well-suited for tasks requiring prolonged, uninterrupted functionality, such as security surveillance and industrial monitoring.

This camera core is equipped with 14-bit digital video capabilities and a robust array of onboard image processing features, including two-point non-uniformity correction and bad pixel replacement, all at a standard frame rate of 30Hz. Additionally, its integration into existing systems is straightforward, thanks to a standard Camera Link® output and minimal power consumption.

Customizable Lens Options

Currently, the HexaBlu™ can be customized with lens options of 30 mm, 150 mm, and 200 mm. Excitingly,zoom capabilities are also in the pipeline,promising even greater versatility in the near future.