SPIE DCS: Flir launches Boson+ LWIR thermal camera module

05 Apr 2022

Enhanced specification offers “low-risk development” for unmanned platforms, security, wearables, and thermal sights.

Teledyne Flir (Flir), part of Teledyne Technologies Inc., has this week launched its “Boson+” camera with thermal sensitivity of 20 millikelvin (mK) or less, making it the most sensitive longwave infrared (LWIR) camera in the market, the company claims.

The Boson+ – currently on show at SPIE Defense & Commercial Sensing (DCS) in Orlando, Florida – shares SWaP specifications of the widely-deployed (earlier) Boson thermal camera module.

Flir’s launch statement says, “With identical mechanical, electrical, and optical interfaces, the Boson+ is a drop-in upgrade that also includes updated image processing to deliver enhanced sharpness and contrast for defense and commercial applications.”

Dan Walker, VP, product management of OEM Cores at Flir, said, “Improved thermal sensitivity and automatic gain control allow for more scene detail in the image for better detection, specifically in outdoor low-contrast scenes.

Diverse applications

“Its improved thermal performance and reliability suit this uncooled thermal module to integration in unmanned platforms, security applications, handhelds, wearables, and thermal sights.”

The Boson+ includes a redesigned 640 x 512 resolution, 12-micron pixel pitch detector with a noise equivalent differential temperature (NEDT) of 20 mK or less, which offers significantly enhanced detection, recognition, and identification performance. Improved video latency enhances tracking, seeker performance, and decision support, adds Flir.

The shared Boson series interface and access to the US-based Flir Technical Services team is said to “reduce development risk and shorten time to market.”

Specified for integrators, the Boson+ is available with a variety of lens options, an easy-to-use SDK, and a GUI. Boson+ is dual use and classified under US Department of Commerce jurisdiction as EAR 6A003.b.4.a.

To view the Boson+ this week in person, visit booth #1101 at the SPIE Defense and Commercial Sensing Exhibition, running through April 7, in Orlando, Florida.