SWIR LED Chips

High‑Power SWIR LED Chips (Short-Wave Infrared 1050–1750 nm)

Tech‑LED’s short‑wavelength infrared (SWIR) LED chips deliver exceptional performance in the infrared range beyond 1000 nm. These LED chips emit in wavelengths roughly from 1050 nm up to 1650–1750 nm, covering the important IR band often used for material identification and imaging. Our SWIR LEDs are engineered for maximum optical output and reliability at these longer wavelengths, traditionally a challenging region for LED technology. Tech‑LED has overcome those challenges to provide some of the highest‑power SWIR emitters on the market. Whether you need a 1050 nm LED for spectroscopy or a 1550 nm LED array for an imaging system, we have solutions ready.

Industry‑leading output

High‑power SWIR chips achieve superior radiant flux, enabling brighter illumination and greater sensing range than typical IR LEDs.

Long‑term stability

Designed with robust materials and thermal management, our SWIR LEDs exhibit excellent stability and lifetime even under continuous operation.

Wide wavelength selection

Standard peak wavelengths are available across 1050 nm, 1200 nm, 1300 nm, 1450 nm, 1550 nm, 1650 nm, and more – covering the full SWIR range up to about 1750 nm.

Precision wavelength bins

Narrow bin tolerances (often ±20 nm) ensure batch‑to‑batch consistency, which is crucial for analytical applications that rely on specific IR absorption lines.

Custom options

We can develop custom SWIR wavelengths (for example, intermediate peaks like 1100 nm or 1750 nm) and package types to suit specialized requirements. If your application needs a non‑standard IR wavelength, Tech‑LED can support it.

Flexible beam profiles

A range of lens packages is available (from narrow ~±10° beams up to ±60° wide angles), including ultra‑sharp lenses for highly focused SWIR illumination at a distance.

Unique Capabilities of SWIR Light

Short‑wave IR wavelengths interact with materials in ways that visible and lower IR wavelengths cannot, making SWIR LEDs indispensable for certain advanced applications. Tech‑LED’s SWIR chips are utilized in a variety of pioneering uses:

Chemical sensing & food sorting

Many organic substances have distinct absorption features in the SWIR range. For example, water absorbs strongly around 1450 nm, proteins and starches around ~1200 nm, and sugars around 940–1000 nm. Our SWIR LED chips leverage these properties for optical food sorting systems and grain quality monitoring. By shining specific SWIR wavelengths through or on food products (rice, wheat, soybeans, etc.), machines can detect composition (moisture content, protein levels, sugar content) and sort or grade the product accordingly. SWIR chemical sensing is also applied in pharmaceutical testing and recycling (identifying plastics by their IR signature).

Semiconductor & solar panel inspection

Silicon is transparent to light beyond about 1100 nm. Our SWIR LEDs around 1200–1300 nm and 1550 nm are used to illuminate silicon wafers and solar cells, revealing internal cracks or defects via transmitted or reflected light. In solar panel inspection equipment, arrays of SWIR LEDs act as a controllable “sun simulator,” combining multiple IR wavelengths to mimic the solar spectrum and test panel efficiency. For semiconductor wafer inspection, SWIR illumination can highlight crystalline flaws that are invisible under visible light.

Fog, moisture & night vision imaging

SWIR wavelengths can penetrate fog, smoke, and water vapor better than visible light, providing clearer vision in adverse weather or environmental conditions. High‑power SWIR LED illuminators (for example, 1350 nm or 1550 nm) are thus used in specialty night‑vision cameras and security systems to see through haze or mist. They are also employed in advanced driver‑assistance systems and LIDAR, since 1550 nm lasers/LEDs are eye‑safe and effective for long‑range sensing. In surveillance, SWIR cameras illuminated by our LEDs can pick up details (like camouflaged objects or markings) that standard NIR night‑vision cannot, enhancing security and military imaging capabilities.

Medical diagnostics & wearables

SWIR LED chips open up non‑invasive medical monitoring possibilities beyond the traditional 940 nm. For instance, wavelengths around 1300 nm to 1600 nm can probe deeper into tissue to measure blood glucose or water content, potentially enabling continuous glucose monitors without finger pricks. Additionally, SWIR light can help in imaging blood oxygenation or identifying lipids, as different biological components absorb specific IR bands. Tech‑LED’s SWIR LEDs provide stable, precise output for these emerging healthcare devices.

Infrared broadband lighting

Because our SWIR LED chips can be combined in multi‑chip modules, they serve in creating broadband IR light sources. For example, combining 4–5 chips of different SWIR wavelengths in one package yields a wider spectral output useful for spectroscopy or as a compact broadband source. In research and development settings, these broadband SWIR LED assemblies are valuable for analyzing materials or calibrating instruments. They also form the basis of the sun‑simulator lights used in photovoltaic testing, by covering the critical IR portion of the solar spectrum.

Tech‑LED provides SWIR LED chips in various formats, from bare die for custom integration to packaged LEDs with lenses and integrated heat‑sinks. Whether you need a single high‑power emitter or a complex multi‑wavelength IR module, our team can assist with selecting or designing the right solution. All our SWIR products are backed by technical support to help you incorporate this cutting‑edge infrared technology into your system.

SWIR LED Chip FAQ’s

What are SWIR LEDs and their applications?

SWIR LEDs, or short-wavelength infrared light-emitting diodes, emit light in the SWIR spectrum, typically ranging from 1050 nm to 1900 nm. These LEDs are used in various applications including machine vision, sensing, and infrared imaging, thanks to their ability to provide high output power and efficiency in detecting materials that are otherwise invisible to the human eye.

How does the output power of high-power SWIR LEDs compare to other LEDs?

High-power SWIR LEDs offer significantly greater output power compared to standard LEDs. They are designed to deliver higher intensity light, making them suitable for applications requiring strong illumination, such as in SWIR cameras and advanced machine vision systems.

What is the wavelength range of SWIR LEDs?

The wavelength range of SWIR LEDs typically spans from 1050 nm to 1900 nm. This range allows for various applications in sensing and imaging, particularly in environments where traditional visible light sources are ineffective.

What are the benefits of using multi-chip SWIR LEDs?

Multi-chip SWIR LEDs combine several chips into a single package, enhancing the overall output power and efficiency. This design allows manufacturers to create compact solutions that fit within a footprint of 0.6 x 0.3 mm, making them ideal for integration into small devices and applications.

What technology is used in the world’s first SWIR LED chip?

The world’s first SWIR LED chip utilizes a flip-chip structure with InGaAs materials, which improves thermal management and allows for higher efficiency. This innovative technology enables better performance in various applications, particularly in machine vision and sensing.

How does the viewing angle of SWIR LEDs affect their performance?

The viewing angle of SWIR LEDs can significantly impact their performance in applications such as imaging and sensing. A wider viewing angle allows for better coverage of the target area, ensuring that more light is captured by sensors and improving the overall effectiveness of the system.

Are there mass production options for SWIR LED products?

Yes, there are mass production options available for SWIR LED products. Manufacturers have developed processes that allow for the efficient production of high-quality SWIR LEDs, ensuring consistency and reliability for various applications in the industry.

What role do SWIR LEDs play in machine vision?

SWIR LEDs are essential in machine vision applications due to their ability to illuminate objects in the short-wavelength infrared range. This capability enhances image contrast and detail, allowing for improved detection and analysis in automated systems, particularly in environments where visible light may not suffice.