News
FOTOSWIRX: Revolutionizing vision beyond the visible spectrum
In the world of imaging, what we cannot see is often just as important as what we can. While traditional silicon-based sensors have mastered the visible light spectrum, they struggle when pushed into the extremes of Short-Wavelength Infrared (SWIR) and X-rays (R-X).
The FOTOSWIRX project was born to develop next-generation image sensors designed to perform where existing technology falls short.
SWIR Technology: Seeing the invisible
SWIR technology represents a paradigm shift in imaging capabilities. Unlike visible light sensors, SWIR operates in a spectral range (typically 0.9 to 1.7 micrometers) that reveals information completely invisible to the human eye and conventional cameras. This unique spectral window allows SWIR sensors to penetrate atmospheric obstacles such as fog, smoke, dust, and haze with remarkable clarity. More importantly, SWIR imaging captures material properties and chemical compositions that remain hidden in the visible spectrum, making it invaluable for applications ranging from quality control in manufacturing to precision agriculture and advanced driver assistance systems.
The ability to see through adverse conditions while simultaneously gathering differential spectral information positions SWIR as a critical technology for the future of autonomous systems, industrial inspection, and environmental monitoring.
IDNEO's Role: System integration and prototype development
Idneo plays a pivotal role in the FOTOSWIRX consortium, focusing on the research and integration of photonic components developed within the project. The company's primary objective is to design and develop a complete camera system based on the advances in SWIR technology achieved through the project's execution.
Idneo will create a camera prototype based on current and emerging SWIR technology, analyzing it across multiple use cases including driving monitoring, industrial applications, and precision agriculture. A critical technical challenge lies in the unique data format of SWIR image sensors, which does not correspond with standard imaging sensor protocols. To address this, Idneo will design an FPGA-based electronic system to process, transform, and transmit this information through a high-bandwidth, low-latency serial interface, ensuring seamless communication with partners equipment.
While FOTOSWIRX encompasses the development of both X-ray and SWIR sensors, Idneo focuses on harnessing the enormous potential of SWIR, a technology of great utility in the automotive environment. The ability of this technology to "see" through fog, smoke, or glare, combined with material analysis, makes it a key component for the safety and reliability of autonomous driving systems and advanced driver assistance systems, allowing vehicles to interpret their surroundings with unprecedented precision.
Beyond prototype development, Idneo's analysis and testing will directly contribute to defining the specifications for the new SWIR sensor with 3D depth measurement capabilities. This input positions Idneo as a key player in advancing SWIR technology, not only improving current applications but also opening new opportunities for innovation across multiple fields.
Strategic framework and support
FOTOSWIRX is part of the MISIONES 2024 initiative, specifically aligning with the priority of "Developing and strengthening the Spanish integrated photonics ecosystem."
This ambitious project is made possible through the collaboration of a high-level consortium and is supported by several prestigious institutions:
- CDTI (Center for the Development of Industrial Technology)
- Ministry of Science and Innovation
- European Union (NextGenerationEU)
- Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan
- European Regional Development Fund
Through FOTOSWIRX, we aren't just building better sensors; we are defining the future of how machines perceive and interact with the world around them.
