FLIR Infrared Cameras & Thermal Imaging announces the release of Muon, the latest thermal imaging core designed specifically for volume OEMs capable of integrating uncooled FPAs into their own camera solutions.

Bill Terre, FLIR GM of OEM and Emerging Markets explains that Muon is an innovative solution for OEM manufacturers intent on using their own image processing, packaging and optical technologies. He adds that Muon represents FLIR’s ongoing leadership in developing OEM technologies that give customers greater flexibility, while reducing upfront manufacturing costs.

Through a thermal subassembly that generates calibrated CMOS video out using industry-standard interfaces, FLIR has greatly simplified the OEM process, eliminating the need for OEMs to develop their own elaborate factory calibration equipment or processes since Muon is calibrated for TEC-less operation. Muon is a thermal engine developed to operate on standard imaging device power and communication protocols.

Based on FLIR’s 17µ pitch Vandium Oxide (VOx) 640x512 or 336x256 FPAs, Muon thermal core offers frame rates of 9Hz and up to 60Hz. The size, weight and power (SWaP) optimised Muon has a form factor of 22mm x 22mm x 6mm, and a mass of less than 5 grams, and uses less than 300mW of power depending on the configuration.

The Muon is the latest from the FLIR OEM group, which has established a reputation as a merchant supplier of thermal cores to an increasingly expanding market. Having introduced the industry’s first small microbolometer camera (the Alpha) in 1999, the group has since launched five industry-leading successor products, Omega, Photon, Tau, Quark and Lepton.