#China #Yantai #Raytron Technology #Infrared Sensors #Thermal Imaging

Key Trends in Infrared Thermal Imaging by Raytron for 2025-2028

As the global market for infrared sensors is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8%, reaching an estimated 10 billion units by 2030 (according to Yole Group), the infrared thermal imaging industry is on the brink of significant transformation. Raytron, a recognized innovator in infrared thermal imaging, has recently unveiled its latest generation of uncooled thermal modules featuring the world’s first 8 μm uncooled infrared sensor. This development marks a pivotal advancement in making high-performance thermal imaging more accessible, compact, and economically feasible.

Advancements through Miniaturization

The infrared thermal technology has seen rapid advancements thanks to smaller pixels, heightened resolution, and more affordable pricing. The pixel size has dramatically reduced from 35 μm to 6 μm, leading to significant enhancements in image clarity and spatial resolution. This miniaturization offers several other key advantages:

1. Reduced Costs: The increase in the number of chips per wafer by nearly 200% significantly lowers costs, enabling the production of a truly affordable thermal imaging module.
2. Compact Design: The smaller pixel pitch requires smaller optics, resulting in an ultra-lightweight design.
3. Enhanced Integration: The improved integration allows for embedding this high-definition thermal imaging core into space-restricted applications, such as advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and consumer electronics, paving the way for broader deployment.

Transforming Industries

Uncooled infrared thermal modules are already hastening innovation across a variety of fields, including automotive, industrial, medical, and consumer sectors:

• - Automotive and ADAS: Capable of penetrating fog, dust, and glare, Raytron's infrared thermal sensors enhance pedestrian and animal detection, filling critical perception gaps left by cameras and LiDAR under challenging conditions.
• - Industrial Inspection: By monitoring thermal distribution in equipment and facilities, these thermal camera cores aid in early failure detection. When integrated into commercial drones or robotics, they enable continuous, personnel-free inspections, reducing labor costs and enhancing safety.
• - Medical Screening and Health Monitoring: Providing non-contact and non-radiative temperature mapping, the LWIR thermal sensor allows for effective mass screening and health tracking applications.
• - Outdoor Night Vision: Designed to