Optoelectronics
Infrared Range Sensors
Infrared Range (IR) sensors are used in a variety of applications, including temperature sensing, video surveillance and motion detection. The video surveillance market utilizes infrared sensing technology for motion-based detection to improve facility security at night. Thermal cameras utilizing IR technology help airport staff quickly screen passengers to detect fever. Most recently, infrared range sensors are used to detect people’s body temperatures as a security and safety measure in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.
Laser Diodes
Within industrial processing, laser diodes are bundled together to form a high-power laser that can cut thru materials. Laser diodes are also used in light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology used, for example, to map the area surrounding an autonomous vehicle.
Security Cameras
CCTV and IP security cameras are being installed in public areas to prevent crime and increase safety while thermal cameras are used for boarder and facility security at night.
Due to sun exposure and heat generated by surrounding components, the operating temperature of security cameras can be as high as 90°C. Lack of airflow, outgassing and thermal noise are other thermal challenges that needs to be taken into consideration when designing cameras for outdoor environments.
Thermoelectric Cooling for Security Cameras
Introduction
The use of outdoor cameras has seen a massive influx with the rise in security monitoring by government and private security agencies. Security cameras are installed with an objective to reduce crime or to improve public safety. CCTV and IP security cameras are installed on every corner in cities, outside hotels and retail stores, all around entertainment venues, stadiums and other commercial and industrial properties. Thermal cameras (infrared sensing) are now often used to improve facility and boarder security at night.
Active Cooling of Optical Transceivers
Introduction
Tier 1 OEM’s in telecom infrastructure market are designing the next standard for telecommunications, 5G. It will provide faster data transmission speeds than current LTE (4G) systems, approaching broadband speeds achieved with landlines. The latency will be much lower, reducing the number of times packets need to be resent. This will be great for mobile users in densely populated areas trying to stream movies, music or live TV on their smart devices.
Lidar Sensors
Lidar uses light waves in a manner similar to the way radar uses radio waves or sonar uses sound waves. The sensors in the Lidar systems can read a million data points per second, enabling them to build high-quality 3D images of scanned objects or landscapes.
Optoelectronics
Used to source, detect and control light, optoelectronics has become increasingly important in a wide range of automotive, telecom and industrial applications. With high beam quality and low energy consumption, optoelectronics offer superior performance at a low cost.