The Stingray camera is available in a version that has no cover glass over the sensor, for applications such as laser-beam profiling, the use of extended wavelength response coatings or endoscopy.
This new variant of the Stingray further enhances its reputation as the 'Transformer' camera due to its modularity, offering a selection of lens mounts, sensors, case variations, interfaces and cable outputs, which can be flexibly configured using building-block principles.
For UV imaging in particular, the glass used to cover the sensor can absorb UV rays, inhibiting UV sensitivity.
This can affect a number of applications, such as semiconductor/wafer inspection; fluorescence in biology; DNA analysis; astronomy; monitoring of oil spills; monitoring of corona discharge effects in high-voltage electrical transmission lines; and imaging of invisible flames such as hydrogen and alcohol.
A sensor can be made more sensitive in the UV region of the spectrum by coating a UV-sensitive phosphor layer directly onto the surface of the sensor.
Sensor performance in the infrared can also be enhanced using specialised IR-sensitive phosphor coatings.
In some cases, this can offer a cost-effective alternative to the use of specialised IR sensors such as InGaAs.
The sensor is shipped with a special adhesive foil to protect it against humidity and dust.
This can be removed in a dust-free environment before the sensor is adapted for its particular application.
