Uncooled Camera Photon 640

Photon 640 Brochure

FLIR’s New Photon 640 LWIR thermal imaging cameras are now available. The Photon 640 is based on the same camera design architecture as the Photon 320, which means the same rapid turn-on time, wide operating temperature range, high shock rating, and overall reliability customers have come to expect from the Photon family. This latest addition to the remarkably successful Photon product line offers several new features and capabilities:

· 640x480 resolution (640x512 for PAL) with 25 µm pixels

· Shorter thermal time constant to reduce image blurring and smearing

· Field-switchable between NTSC and PAL video formats

· 4x (and 2x) digital zoom modes

Along with a lens-lens core version, three lens options are supported: 19mm; 35mm; and 50mm. See the Optics Table tab for detailed lens information. Additional lenses are planned.

Similar to the other Photon camera formats, a variety of accessories are available for the Photon 640 camera.

The Photon 640 cameras operate at a 30 Hz (25 Hz PAL) frame rate. For cameras that will be exported or re-exported outside of the United States, FLIR offers a “slow video” option that exempts the camera from export license requirements. The slow video frame rates are 7.5 Hz for NTSC and 8.3 Hz for PAL. Digital video is generated at 8- or 14-bit resolution at the equivalent analog video frame rate of the camera. For more information about digital data acquisition options, click here.

A single interface connector facilitates power in, analog and digital video out, RS-232 communication for command and control of the camera, and external sync. All Photon cameras can operate autonomously: all the user has to do is provide power, get video. FLIR’s sophisticated on-board signal processing takes care of optimizing the image under any conditions.

Many common camera controls are brought out in software program called the Photon GUI (graphical user interface), which is available for download at the Software Updates page. The GUI can be freely downloaded and run without needing a camera to see the various camera commands that are available. FLIR also provides an extensive command set for customers that want more control of camera features and functions, and a Photon Software Developer’s Kit (SDK) is offered for those customers that want to develop their own custom interface to the camera. In fact, the GUI that FLIR makes available is an example of a control program developed with the Photon SDK.

FLIR designs, manufactures, and assembles all its critical camera components in-house, from the readout integrated circuits (ROICs), to the focal plane array sensors, and final Photon camera assembly, test, and calibration.

IMPORTANT EXPORT INFORMATION

The International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) details the regulations governing the export of defense related materials and technologies. The U.S. Munitions List (USML) categorizes goods and technologies governed by the ITAR.

In June 2008 the U.S. government made a determination that the Photon 640 will be USML classified under the ITAR. As a result, the Photon 640 and related technical data and information are controlled for export purposes to the ITAR. Photon 640 data provided at this web site has been approved for public release, and is not export-controlled. It is a violation of the ITAR to export or re-export the Photon 640 or related technical data (other than data approved for public release) without first receiving authorization to do so from the U.S. Department of State. This restriction does not apply to the “slow video” versions of Photon 640 that operate at frame rates of less than 9Hz.

Due to the Photon 640’s export status, any purchase, receipt, and/or use of any Photon 640 camera or technical data (other than data approved for public release) is contingent upon an agreement to abide by all export laws and regulations of the United States, including, without limitation, the ITAR. Further, it must be acknowledged that export or re-export of the Photon 640 or related technical data (other than data approved for public release) is not allowed without the requisite authorization from the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls of the Department of State.

In addition, § 122.1 of the ITAR states that “any person in the U.S. who engages in the business of either manufacturing or exporting defense articles or furnishing defense services is required to be registered with the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC).” It is the responsibility of any organization that buys, receives, and/or uses a Photon 640 to register with DDTC in such cases.

Violations of the ITAR are extremely serious and can result in fines, debarment, and criminal sanctions. Please direct any questions or concerns regarding the export status of the Photon 640 to Krista Larsen, FLIR’s Director, Export Compliance Traffic, at (503) 498-3316.

Again, ITAR compliance for the Photon 640 applies to the full-rate (30Hz & 25Hz) versions of the camera, and does NOT apply to the “slow video” versions that operate at frame rates of less than 9Hz.