Kongsberg Maritime launches low-light underwater camera

 Kongsberg Maritime Ltd has launched a new generation low-light underwater camera, the OE13-124 BIT. The new design delivers what the company describes as “unprecedented” light sensitivity, image quality and range performance, enabling users to undertake more accurate, longer range underwater vehicle navigation in low-light and in turbid water conditions.

Building on successful enhanced SIT (Silicon Intensifier Target) and first generation EMCCD based low-light camera products, the OE13-124 BIT features an advanced back illuminated and thinned (BIT) CCD light sensor, thermo-electric cooling and integral image-processing algorithms, which deliver up to six times the light efficiency in water of first generation EMCCD sensors.

This performance, combined with a host of other features, results in significantly optimised image detail, contrast, sharpness and low-noise levels across a wide dynamic brightness range. The enhanced viewing capability enables users to undertake more accurate, longer range underwater vehicle navigation and surveillance in harsh environments, low light and turbid water conditions down to 4,500m depth and beyond. The OE13-124 is claimed to have significantly reduced image lag, immunity to image-burn and offers improved reliability, maintainability and through-life savings, says Kongsberg Maritime.

The OE13-124 is built and tested to rigorous quality standards and incorporates the highest levels of temperature, humidity, shock, vibration, over-voltage and electromagnetic compatibility protection. It comes with an individual light sensitivity performance test certificate and two year warranty as standard.

Kongsberg Maritime’s general manager, David Mackay, said of the new product: “After rigorous testing and performance benchmarking, our customers believe the OE13-124 will offer major advantages in the field, including improved ROV navigation and underwater surveillance efficiency.” OSJ