sNIRII640B-U3 NIR-II Live Imaging Camera
Product Introduction
The sNIRII series is designed for cutting-edge scientific applications in the 900–1700 nm (NIR-II) spectral range, utilizing China-made InGaAs image sensors that combine high sensitivity with low readout noise. It is ideal for in vivo near-infrared imaging, biological fluorescence detection, materials/device characterization, and similar scenarios. Typical configurations offer 640 × 512 resolution with 15 µm pixel size, achieving excellent contrast and detail even under low-light conditions.
To suppress dark current and thermal noise, the camera is equipped with TEC cooling and closed-loop temperature control, reducing sensor operating temperature by approximately 40 °C below ambient. Combined with an anti-condensation optical structure, it ensures stable and clean imaging under low-temperature and long-exposure conditions.
The camera provides USB 3.0 and 10GigE (model dependent) high-speed data interfaces, supporting 8/16-bit data output with built-in buffer to guarantee link stability during high-speed acquisition. Acquisition modes include free-running, software/hardware triggering, facilitating synchronization with lasers, light sources, motion/stepper platforms, and other scientific equipment. Bundled with ToupView and cross-platform SDK (Windows/Linux, C/C++/C#/Python) for easy system integration and custom development.
Key Features
- China-made InGaAs near-infrared sensor, responsive across 900–1700 nm (NIR-II)
- Typical resolution 640 × 512, 15 µm pixel size; sensor area approx. 9.6 × 7.68 mm (model dependent)
- TEC cooling with closed-loop temperature control, typical ΔT ≈ 40 °C (below ambient), significantly reducing dark current
- Anti-condensation optical structure, effectively suppressing condensation under low-temperature and long-exposure conditions
- 8/16-bit image data output, enhancing weak signal gradation and dynamic range
- Built-in 512 MB buffer, ensuring data integrity during high-speed transmission
- USB 3.0 / 10GigE high-speed interface (model dependent), meeting different platform bandwidth requirements
- Acquisition modes: Free-running, software trigger, hardware trigger, facilitating timing synchronization with external devices
- Supports ROI setting and digital binning (2×2 / 3×3 / 4×4), flexibly balancing resolution/frame rate/SNR
- Power supply: 19 V dedicated power source (4.74 A, model dependent)
- Environmental adaptability: −30 to 45 °C, humidity 0–95% (non-condensing, model dependent)
- Windows / Linux platform SDK provided, supporting C/C++, C#, Python; bundled with ToupView
- Supports on-site firmware upgrades
- Compliant with CE / FCC / RoHS certifications (model dependent)
Product Details
| Specifications | |
| Model | sNIRII640B-U3 |
| Sensor | China-made InGaAs image sensor |
| Shutter Type | Global Shutter |
| Color Type | Monochrome |
| Resolution | 0.33 MP (640×512) |
| Sensor Size | 9.6 mm × 7.68 mm |
| Sensor Diagonal | 0.77" (12.29 mm) |
| Pixel Size | 15 µm × 15 µm |
| Performance Specifications | |
| Frame Rate | TBD @ 640×512 |
| Bit Depth | 8/16-bit |
| Dynamic Range | 55.8 dB (HCG); 58.1 dB (MCG); 58.3 dB (LCG) |
| Sensitivity | TBD |
| Interface Specifications | |
| GPIO | 1× optically isolated input, 1× optically isolated output, 2× non-isolated I/O |
| Lens Mount | C-mount |
| Data Interface | USB 3.0 |
| Power Supply | 19 V 4.74 A DC |
| Physical Specifications | |
| Dimensions | 137.8 mm × 100 mm × 100 mm |
| Weight | TBD |
| Environmental Specifications | |
| Operating Temperature | -30 °C to +45 °C |
| Operating Humidity | 0–95% |
| Storage Temperature | -40 °C to +60 °C |
| Storage Humidity | 0–95% |
| Additional Specifications | |
| Operating System | Windows/Linux |
| Certifications | TBD |
Product Overview
sNIRII640B-U3 integrates a back-illuminated China-made InGaAs image sensor sCMOS sensor into a scientific-grade cooled platform with the following highlights:
- High-resolution imaging:0.33 MP (640×512) resolution, 15 µm × 15 µm pixel size, sensor size 9.6 mm × 7.68 mm
- Shutter design:features Global Shutter design, supports monochrome imaging, suitable for fluorescence imaging, spectral analysis, gene sequencing, and other research scenarios
- High-speed data transfer:supports the USB 3.0 high-speed data interface, with maximum frame rate up to TBD @ 640×512, and output formats include 8/16-bit
- Excellent dynamic range: up to 55.8 dB (HCG); 58.1 dB (MCG); 58.3 dB (LCG)，sensitivity at TBD
- Cooling system: The integrated cooling system lowers temperature by TBD, effectively reducing dark current
- Rich interfaces: Supports GPIO interfaces, with a standard C-mount lens mount
- Compact design: Overall size 137.8 mm × 100 mm × 100 mm, weighing approximately TBD, drawing power via 19 V 4.74 A DC
- Cross-platform support：Supports Windows/Linux platforms with ToupView software and cross-platform SDKs for C/C++, C#, Python.
Key Performance Metrics
Frame Rate
TBD @ 640×512
Resolution
0.33 MP (640×512)
Dynamic Range
55.8 dB (HCG); 58.1 dB (MCG); 58.3 dB (LCG)
Scientific Imaging Characteristics
Back-illuminated sensor
Back-illuminated sCMOS sensor provides higher quantum efficiency for low-light imaging.
Cooling-based noise reduction
The integrated cooling system effectively reduces dark current and noise, improving SNR and overall image quality
High sensitivity
Sensitivity reaches TBD, meeting high-precision scientific imaging requirements
Flexible control
Supports ROI, binning, and trigger control to adapt to diverse research workflows.
sNIRII640B-U3 combines outstanding scientific imaging performance with a stable cooling system and extensive interface support—ideal for research institutes, medical centers, and advanced industrial applications that demand precise imaging and analysis capabilities.
sNIRII640B-U3 Product Manual
PDF format with detailed specifications and mechanical drawings
SDK Package
Supports Windows, Linux, macOS, and more
3D Model File
STEP format for mechanical integration
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about NIR-II imaging cameras
- Spectral range: NIR-II typically covers 900–1700 nm, while SWIR (short-wave infrared) spans 900–2500 nm.
- Sensor type: NIR-II primarily uses InGaAs sensors; SWIR may use standard or extended InGaAs sensors.
- Applications: NIR-II focuses on biomedical imaging, while SWIR is widely used in industrial inspection, semiconductors, and agriculture.
- Imaging depth: NIR-II can reach centimeter-level penetration in biological tissue; SWIR excels in specific material inspections.
- Cost: NIR-II cameras are generally more cost-effective; extended-band SWIR cameras are relatively more expensive.
- HCG (High Conversion Gain): lowest read noise, ideal for ultra-weak signals such as single-molecule fluorescence.
- MCG (Medium Conversion Gain): balances noise and dynamic range for general imaging use.
- LCG (Low Conversion Gain): maximizes full-well capacity and dynamic range for high-contrast or strong-signal scenes.
USB3.2 interface: ideal for desktop lab setups with stable plug-and-play operation, 10 Gbps bandwidth, and cable length up to 5 m.
10GigE interface: supports up to 100 m transmission, multi-camera synchronization, and 10 Gbps bandwidth—suitable for industrial integration and large experimental setups.
In-Depth Product Overview
NIR-II Imaging Principles
NIR-II imaging (900–1700 nm) leverages the optical window of biological tissue for deep penetration. Water and hemoglobin absorption is low and scattering diminishes with longer wavelengths, enabling 10–20 mm imaging depth with micron-level resolution. Pairing NIR-II probes unlocks high-contrast angiography, tumor labeling, and lymphatic tracking.
Advantages of InGaAs Sensors
InGaAs (indium gallium arsenide) sensors underpin NIR-II imaging, delivering >80% QE over 900–1700 nm via tunable bandgaps. PIN photodiodes and CTIA readout circuits offer low noise and high sensitivity. Domestic InGaAs advancements provide cost-effective alternatives to formerly exclusive overseas solutions.
Precision Thermal Control and Cooling
sNIRII cameras employ multi-stage TEC (thermoelectric) cooling with Peltier-driven precision control. Integrated heat sinking, closed-loop regulation, and anti-fog design maintain ±0.1 °C stability for extended imaging. Nitrogen-sealed or heated optical windows prevent condensation during low-temperature operation.
Multi-Gain Architecture
An innovative triple-gain architecture toggles capacitor feedback networks to deliver multiple operating modes on one sensor: HCG (0.96 e⁻/DN) for minimal read noise, MCG (5.36 e⁻/DN) for balanced performance, and LCG (2216 ke⁻) for maximum full-well capacity—accommodating applications from single-photon detection to high dynamic range imaging.
System Integration and Software Ecosystem
The sNIRII series ships with a full SDK supporting Windows and Linux. ToupView delivers a visual interface for live preview, parameter tuning, acquisition, and basic analysis. SDKs span C/C++/C#/Python for straightforward integration with LabVIEW, MATLAB, and mainstream imaging libraries via standardized APIs.
Key Application Areas
Representative NIR-II imaging applications in cutting-edge research
Typical Scenarios
In Vivo Vascular Imaging
Harness deep penetration of NIR-II to capture vascular networks 10–20 mm deep. Inject NIR-II dyes like ICG for real-time observation of blood flow, microcirculation, and vascular lesions—vital in cardiovascular research.
Tumor Labeling and Detection
Targeted NIR-II probes label tumors, enabling precise intraoperative margin visualization. Compared with traditional methods, NIR-II offers superior contrast and deeper penetration for more accurate resections.
Lymphatic Tracing
Subcutaneous or peri-tumoral injections of NIR-II tracers allow real-time lymphatic mapping and sentinel node identification—highly valuable in cancer metastasis diagnostics and lymphedema management.
Cerebral Vascular Imaging
NIR-II imaging penetrates skull bone to monitor cerebral vasculature without craniotomy, providing non-invasive, real-time insight into stroke, ischemia, and related conditions.
Semiconductor Inspection
Silicon transparency in NIR-II allows inspection of internal wafer defects, cracks, and impurities. NIR-II penetrates thicker wafers than visible inspection, revealing deeper flaws.
Quantum Dot Fluorescence Imaging
NIR-II quantum dots offer exceptional photostability and quantum yield for long-term in vivo tracking. Surface functionalization enables targeted imaging of specific cells, tissues, or molecules and monitoring of drug delivery.
NIR-II vs SWIR Comparison
| Technical Feature | NIR-II (900-1700nm) | SWIR (900-2500nm) |
|---|---|---|
| Main Applications | Biomedical imaging, in vivo imaging, fluorescence detection | Industrial inspection, agriculture, mineral and moisture analysis |
| Sensor Type | Standard InGaAs | Standard or extended InGaAs, MCT |
| Quantum Efficiency | 900-1700nm: >80% | Full band: 60–85% (sensor-dependent) |
| Typical Pixel Size | 15-25μm | 15-30μm |
| Cooling Requirement | TEC cooling (ΔT = 40–50 °C) | TEC or liquid nitrogen (extended band) |
| Cost | Moderate | Higher (especially extended band) |
| Biocompatibility | Excellent (low phototoxicity) | Good (thermal effects to monitor) |
sNIRII Technical Advantages
- 900–1700 nm NIR-II coverage
- China-made InGaAs sensors with compelling value
- TEC cooling with 40–50 °C delta
- Triple gain modes with flexible switching
- 14-bit ADC for high dynamic range
- USB3.0 / 10GigE interface choices
- Anti-fog optical design
- Comprehensive SDK support for easy integration