sNIRII640B-U3 NIR-II Live Imaging Camera

Product Introduction

The sNIRII640B-U3 is a next-generation NIR-II imaging camera featuring a China-made InGaAs image sensor covering the 900–1700 nm spectral band. The camera is equipped with an efficient TEC cooling system capable of achieving cooling below room temperature by 50 °C, significantly reducing dark current to an ultra-low level of 193.909 e⁻ in MCG mode. Through a USB 3.2 Gen 2x1 interface, it achieves 10 Gbps high-speed data transmission, with 512 MB onboard buffer ensuring data transfer stability.

Key Features

  • Utilizes China-made InGaAs image sensor, covering 900–1700 nm NIR-II band
  • Resolution 640×512 (0.33 MP), pixel size 15 µm × 15 µm
  • 3/4-inch sensor format (12.29 mm diagonal), compact design
  • Global shutter, eliminating motion distortion
  • Three conversion gain modes (HCG/MCG/LCG), flexibly adapting to different applications
  • Powerful TEC cooling, cooling differential up to 50 °C
  • Ultra-low dark current: only 193.909 e⁻ in MCG mode
  • USB 3.2 Gen 2x1 interface, supporting 10 Gbps high-speed transmission
  • 512 MB (4 Gb) large-capacity onboard buffer
  • Complete GPIO interface: optically isolated input/output
  • Wide exposure time range: 16 µs to 5 s
  • Supports 8-bit/16-bit data output
  • Low power design: 8.4 W (TEC OFF) / <16 W (TEC ON)
  • Standard C-mount, easy optical system integration
  • Supports Windows/Linux dual platforms, provides complete SDK

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 1/1.3" (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

NIR-II imaging refers to imaging within the 900–1700 nm band. Compared with visible light and NIR-I (700–900 nm), NIR-II offers deeper tissue penetration, lower scattering, and reduced autofluorescence, making it ideal for biomedical deep-tissue imaging, in vivo studies, and material defect detection.

  • 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.

InGaAs sensors generate higher dark current and thermal noise at room temperature. TEC cooling lowers the sensor temperature by 40–50 °C, dramatically reducing dark current (halving for every 7 °C drop) and improving SNR—critical for long exposures and weak-signal detection in fluorescence imaging and spectroscopy.

  • 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.
Select the appropriate mode based on signal strength and dynamic range requirements.

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